Hello, this is Swasher. 💧
Today, we are reviewing a press release reported by News1 on January 22, 2025.
Recently, a shocking incident occurred where hazardous substances were detected in eight air purifier filters sold on the market. These filters were non-genuine (third-party) compatible filters,
which are widely used by consumers due to their lower prices.
However, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a banned biocide, was found in these products, raising serious concerns about the safety of air purifier filters.
This incident calls for a closer examination of air purifier filter safety.
Why did this happen? What are the fundamental problems of disposable filters?
Today, let's take a deeper look at this issue and discuss the key factors to consider when choosing an air purifier!
공기청정기 '비정품' 필터 8개서 유해물질 검출…회수명령 조치
시중 유통 중인 공청기 필터 42개 안전성 조사…8개서 MIT 검출 시중에 유통 중인 공기청정기 필터 42개 제품의 안전성을 조사한 결과 '비정품' 호환용 필터 8개 제품에서 사용이 금지된 살생물 물
www.news1.kr
🚨 Why Were Hazardous Substances Detected in Air Purifier Filters?
According to the "Safety Confirmation Designation and Safety Standards for Household Chemical Products", air purifier filters treated with biocidal substances for antibacterial or preservation purposes must comply with safety regulations.
A recent safety investigation of 42 air purifier filters revealed that MIT was detected in eight products, ranging from 1.9 mg/kg to 10.7 mg/kg, making them non-compliant with safety standards. MIT is known to cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation when exposed to the human body.
source : News1 (2025) reported, "An investigation by the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Consumer Agency found hazardous substances in eight non-genuine air purifier filters, resulting in a sales ban and recall order."
MIT is an effective biocide commonly used in paints, cosmetics, and cleaning agents to prevent microbial growth.
However, due to its potential toxicity when inhaled, its use in air purifier filters is strictly prohibited.
So why was this banned substance found in these filters?
🔎 1. Enhancing Antibacterial Performance
MIT is used to prevent mold and bacteria growth in filters. However, manufacturers failed to comply with safety regulations and used it without proper reporting, leading to this issue.
🔎 2. Extending Filter Durability
Since air purifier filters are exposed to air for extended periods, they can become contaminated. To prevent this, manufacturers may add preservatives or biocides, but this increases the risk of hazardous substances like MIT being detected.
🔎 3. Poor Quality Control of Low-Cost Filters
The affected products were all third-party (non-genuine) filters. Since these are cheaper than genuine filters, their manufacturing processes may not be rigorously inspected. This raises the risk of air purification performance being compromised rather than improved.
🔎 MIT-Detected Products
❗ The Issues with Disposable Air Purifier Filters
Since the end of last year, the Ministry of Environment has imposed administrative measures, including manufacturing, import, and sales bans, as well as recall orders on businesses with non-compliant products. Additionally, it has requested the air purifier filter industry to conduct a comprehensive safety review of all filters in distribution.
The Korea Consumer Agency has also urged air purifier filter manufacturers and distributors, through the Korea Air Cleaning Association and the Korea Filter Industry Cooperative, to comply with safety verification and reporting procedures in accordance with safety regulations.
source : News1 (2025) reported, "An investigation by the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Consumer Agency found hazardous substances in eight non-genuine air purifier filters, resulting in a sales ban and recall order."
Air purifiers have become essential household appliances,
but this incident highlights critical flaws in disposable filter-based air purifiers.
1️⃣ Disposable Filters Contribute to Massive Waste
Air purifier filters must be replaced regularly and are inevitably discarded, generating enormous waste each year.
Most filters are made of plastic and synthetic fibers, meaning they do not decompose naturally, contributing to environmental pollution.
2️⃣ Genuine Filters Are Expensive, While Non-Genuine Filters Raise Safety Concerns
While genuine filters are costly, cheaper third-party filters often lack verified quality standards, leading to frequent safety issues.
This incident demonstrates the serious risks associated with uncertified non-genuine filters.
3️⃣ Difficulties in Maintaining Filter Hygiene
Filters naturally accumulate dust, mold, and bacteria over time.
If not replaced regularly, they can become sources of air contamination rather than purification.
However, many consumers find it difficult to check their filter condition, leading to delayed replacements and health risks.
💧Then, what is the alternative? The air purifier Swasher, which does not use any disposable filters!
This incident is not just about a specific product;
it may be a signal that we need to rethink the entire air purifier filter system.
🔹 We must shift towards reducing the use of disposable filters.
🔹 We must adopt safer purification methods.
🔹 It must be a sustainable air purification technology with minimal environmental impact.
The only air purifier that meets all these conditions—
Swasher!
💧 Why choose Swasher?
✔ Water vortex purification technology → Uses water to wash away dust and absorb harmful gases, unlike filter-based purifiers.
✔ Removes VOCs & CO → Purifies gases that traditional filters cannot.
✔ Eliminates odors → Effectively removes smoke and chemical smells.
✔ ZERO filter replacement costs → Simply change the water—no additional expenses.
✔ Prevents bacteria buildup → Since contaminants are washed away with water, there is no risk of filter contamination.
🔍 Swasher vs. Traditional Filter-Based Air Purifiers
Comparison CriteriaTraditional Filter-Based PurifiersSwasher
| Fine Dust (PM2.5) Removal | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Odor Removal | ❌ Limited | ✅ Highly Effective |
| Filter Maintenance Cost | Expensive (Requires Replacement) | No Filter (Only Water Replacement) |
| Bacterial Contamination | ❌ Risk of Mold & Bacteria Growth | ✅ Low Risk (Self-Cleaning with Water) |
| Eco-Friendliness | ❌ Generates Filter Waste | ✅ Sustainable, No Waste |
👉 Learn more on our official website: 🔗 www.swasher.com
📝 Final Thoughts: What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the issue of air purifier filters?
Do you use genuine or non-genuine filters?
Are you interested in an air purification technology that doesn’t require filter replacement?
Let us know in the comments! 😊
At Swasher, we are committed to providing clean air solutions for everyone.
We will continue to bring in-depth environmental insights and sustainable innovations through our blog, so stay tuned!
Thank you for reading!
Have a great day with clean air, powered by Swasher! 💧🌿
