Air purifiers improve cognitive performance for adults over 40

13 articles · Updated · VICE · May 2

University of Connecticut and Tufts researchers reported in Scientific Reports that adults near major roads saw about 12% better mental flexibility after one month using real HEPA units.
The trial also found HEPA filtration cut indoor fine-particle pollution by more than 50%, while younger participants showed little meaningful cognitive change.
The relatively small study adds to evidence that traffic pollution can impair higher-level brain function and that home air purifiers may help protect both lungs and brains.

If an air purifier boosts brain function like exercise, what is the true cognitive cost of our polluted city air?

Can a simple home appliance truly shield your brain from pollution, or is it just a band-aid on a systemic problem?