HEPA Filters: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters

A HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter is a type of air filter that meets standards of efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy, capable of removing at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in home appliance stores and online retailers
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

HEPA Filter FAQ


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What is a HEPA air filter?

The Army Chemical Corps developed a combination mechanical blower and air purifier unit, which incorporated cellulose-asbestos paper in a deeply-pleated form with spacers between the pleats. It was referred to as an "absolute" air filter and laid the groundwork for further research to come in developing the HEPA filter.

What is a true HEPA filter?

According to NIOSH (the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ), a true HEPA filter is one that can trap 99.97 percent of dust particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter (where a micron is one millionth of a meter).

What are the different types of HEPA filters?

What HEPA filters actually are, and what kind of particles they capture (dust, smoke, pollen, etc.). Different types of HEPA filters, such as HEPA-like, True HEPA, H13 “medical grade” HEPA filters. How HEPA filters work to filter out very small particles (via 4 mechanisms). What HEPA filters are made out of.

Do HEPA filters really work?

While HEPA filters excel at removing particles, they have limitations in capturing ultrafine particles and addressing gases and odors. However, their notable health benefits include alleviating allergy and asthma symptoms and providing potential advantages for immune-compromised individuals.

What is a HEPA filter?

HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. of Energy). This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

How does a HEPA air filter work?

A HEPA air filter is made up of thousands of extremely fine fibres arranged into a matt to intercept both microscopic particles and larger ones. An air purifier will push air from the room through the filter to remove pollutant particles. By definition HEPA filters can trap close to 100% of the particles in the air that are 0.3 microns or smaller.

What is a HEPA air purifier?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA air filter is made up of thousands of extremely fine fibres arranged into a matt to intercept both microscopic particles and larger ones. An air purifier will push air from the room through the filter to remove pollutant particles.

How effective is a HEPA air filter?

So if a HEPA filter removes 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, it is even more effective at removing PM10, PM2.5 and the larger allergens such as pollen. New parents – A HEPA air filter will remove pollutants from the air making it safer for young children (and adults) to breathe.

HEPA Filter References

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