Posts Tagged ‘hepa air filter’

HEPA filters were originally designed in the forties by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. The initial purpose of the technology was to clean radioactive particles from the air during the initial research and development of the atom bomb. The technology soon went public and several industries began using these highly efficient filters to meet stricter demands in air quality.

HEPA filters are regulated by the U.S. Department of Energy to meet specific guidelines with regard to their ability to filter airborne particulates. To gain the classification of HEPA air filter, it must be capable of capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles .3 micrometers in diameter. To give the example some sense of scale, .3 micrometers is approximately 1/100th the width of a human hair. The particles being trapped are about 25 and 50 times smaller than what the eye are able to see. Some HEPA air filters have the ability to trap even more, achieving 99.975% percent efficiency! The ability of these filters and of the units containing them goes above and beyond what most all non-HEPA purifiers can do.

This is important to consider when it comes to the particulates we are dealing with. A HEPA filter can be an essential tool for someone dealing with allergy problems. Pollen, mold, dander, dust and smoke can all cause alot of stress on a person prone to allergies immune system. The allergens are extremely small in size and this is where HEPA filters really display their value. Assuming that the HEPA purifier you use is sufficient to filter the amount of air in your living space, you’ll surely notice the helpful benefits of breathing the fresh air that it provides. Some purifiers include filters which last for a longer period of time than others and work better than others. Some are easier to replace than others and some feature prefilters that prolong the life of the filter, so it is crucial to look at some HEPA filter reviews.

A technique that designers at top air purifier manufacturers are utilizing is to combine various kinds of filters or air treatment technologies into a single purifier. In some cases the simple strategy of including a pre-filter helps by collecting the bigger particles before they get to the HEPA filter effectively stretching out the life of the filter. Another useful design is to place an activated carbon filter in combination with a HEPA air filter. As the HEPA filtration system traps most of the particulates, the carbon filtration system aids to absorb and neutralize the smaller gaseous toxins and odor causing compounds that the HEPA filter won’t trap.When it comes to tackling living contaminents, there are a couple options. Some HEPA filters use chemicals that are laced into the filter to kill trapped pathogens. The other option is a HEPA air purifier that uses a UV light inside to mutate the DNA of the pathogen which makes them incapable of reproduction. When viruses and bacteria can’t reproduce they are virtually harmless to humans.