Skip to main content

The Molekule Air Pro RX is FDA-cleared to kill viruses and bacteria

In the ongoing fight against the coronavirus, people have questioned whether an air purifier would be of any assistance in reducing the risk of exposure. While many air purifiers do not filter at a level small enough to inhibit the virus, Molekule has just announced the Air Pro RX, a new medical-grade air purifier, has received 510(k) Class II Medical Device clearance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Air Pro RX uses the same PECO filters as other Molekule devices and is intended to capture and destroy bacteria and viruses in the air. While the Air Pro RX is intended for use in medical facilities, Molekule says there are plans to release a commercial-grade air purifier for use in office buildings, schools, grocery stores, and other high-traffic locations.

Recommended Videos

Third-party labs tested the Air Pro RX and found it removed up to 99.999% of SARS-CoV-2 proxy viruses. One lab tested the device’s ability to eliminate Phi X 174, a virus with many similarities to SARS-CoV-2, and found it reduced concentrations of the virus by 98.7% over two hours. Another virus with similarities to influenza was reduced by 99.999% within 24 hours.

A few hospitals have already announced plans to implement the Air Pro RX in its facilities to help safeguard frontline healthcare workers and visitors by placing the air purifiers in waiting rooms and emergency rooms.

air-pro-rx-molekule
Image used with permission by copyright holder

To receive FDA guidance, a medical device must meet all recommended guidelines. The Air Pro RX meets the performance criteria recommended by the FDA guidelines for reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings and has proven more effective than comparable air purifiers.

The Air Pro RX is designed to begin working as soon as it is plugged in, with no prior setup required. It uses two filters: a Pre-Filter for capturing large particles, and a PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) filter to capture smaller particles like bacteria and viruses. The Air Pro RX can be cleaned and sanitized using the same wipe-down protocol standard in most medical facilities.

With technology capable of reducing the spread of some of the most common and harmful viruses and bacteria, the Air Pro RX is in a prime position to protect healthcare workers and hospital visitors. In time, commercial versions of this device will improve the air quality of public areas and make a trip to the grocery store that much safer.

Correction: This article previously stated the Molekule Air Pro RX is FDA-certified. It’s been cleared, but not certified.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro offers premium features without the need for cumbersome wires
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro installed near a door.

Ring first started rolling out its Pro lineup in 2021, offering premium features with products such as the Stick Up Cam Pro, Floodlight Cam Pro, Spotlight Cam Pro, and Wired Doorbell Pro. Three years later, the team is still adding new products to the family, with Ring officially launching the Battery Doorbell Pro on March 6.

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro features many of the same specs as its wired sibling. Capable of recording in 1536p HD+ and with support for Audio+ (allowing crisp two-way communication), it's one of the most premium video doorbells in the Ring catalog. Ring says the device features enhanced imaging sensors to provide more accurate colors and the ability to provide color night vision when the sun goes down.

Read more
Mila reveals a sleek new humidifier/air purifier combo at CES 2024
The Mila Air 3 near a window.

Mila -- an air purification company -- debuted two new products at CES 2024, both geared towards enhancing your indoor environment and improving the air you breathe. Products on display included the Mila Air 3 and Mila Halo, though the team also offered a look at Mila Insights, a new set of reports that give you an in-depth look at your air quality and how it can be improved.

The Mila Halo is the more intriguing of the two, as it's both a humidifier and air purifier packed into a single unit. Along with outer panels that are fully customizable (allowing you to find a color or pattern that fits your home décor), it can detect when your room is unoccupied to turn off its water tank. Not only will that prevent over-humidification, but it should allow each tank to last longer before needing a refill.

Read more
Ikea’s new Dajlien home fitness collection features portable air purifier, much more
The Ikea Dajlien Air Purifier sitting by a chair.

Ikea already has a variety of air purifiers in its lineup, but it'll have one more joining the family next year. The upcoming Dajlien collection launches in January 2024 and features 19 items designed to improve your home fitness routines. This includes everything from yoga mats and training weights to air purifiers and portable Bluetooth speakers.

The Dajlien Air Purifier looks much like Ikea's existing Uppatvind Air Purifier, which features three fan speeds, a small footprint, and an affordable $35 price tag. But while the Uppatvind sports a simple white color scheme, the Dajlien version offers a bright yellow handle and eye-catching green frame. It doesn't seem to be quite as robust as the Starkvind Air Purifier (which syncs with the Ikea smartphone app), but it looks like a great alternative for shoppers on a budget.

Read more