What is a HEPA Air Purifier and Do I Need one?

Posted by Grisel Herrick on September 24th, 2021

Intro:

Over the last few years there has been a lot of discussion about airborne particles including viruses and how to combat them. One of the best ways is using a HEPA air purifier has become a house hold name.

What is a HEPA filter?

HEPA is not a name brand, it is a style of air filter that is commonly used today. HEPA is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air (filter). This style of filter can theoretically remove 99.97 percent of particles in the air, this includes dust, mold, pollen and bacteria. Air filters are rated based on the size of particles that it can trap. HEPA filters are able to trap contaminants in the air that are 0.3 microns in size this means a HEPA filter can trap particles that are three one thousands of a millimeter. Other air filters are rated according to the size of particles that they can trap. Other air filters used in a home only trap particles larger then 10 micrometers in size. It is this difference that make a HEPA air purifier so dependent in homes and businesses throughout North America.

How does a HEPA filter work?

An air filter such as a HEPA air purifier is like a strainer or a net but with really small holes so that nothing can get through.

•    When large particles over 1 micron such as hair (average size is 50 microns)  moves through the filter they will get trapped between two fibers. This is called straining.

•    Smaller particles under 1 micron are able to pass through the holes. However, they are flowing with the air, the air is heavy an the particles are not able to move fast enough to get through the air filter and will get stuck. This is called the interception.

•    Really small particles around 0.3 microns. These particles are small enough to get through the holes and may even have enough speed to continue but because they don’t weigh much they get blown around. The particles will zig zag through the filter and get trapped on the fibers.  This is called fusion.

When to use a HEPA filter

HEPA filters have been around since the Second World War, these filters were used to eliminate radioactive particles that were affecting the soldier’s respiratory system. HEPA air purifiers are now found in many household items. Vacuums are a prime example, many vacuums use HEPA filters to trap allergens and pollens. HEPA filters are also used in hospitals, schools and healthcare facilities. HEPA filters are able to attach to HVAC units and create healthier air for people to breath. Hospitals use HEPA air purifiers to trap bacteria and other viruses that can be found in the air of healthcare facilities. Schools will use HEPA filters to create clean air for the children, therefore generating healthier and happier students.   

Conclusion

Using HEPA filters helps promote health for lungs and body. HEPA air purifier have advantages over other air filters available due to size of filtration. Using HEPA can help clean the air of homes and businesses. Over the last few years society has learned a lot about bacteria and air borne viruses and the effectiveness of HEPA air filters.

The Mintie Corporation provides air quality management, preventative maintenance services, and portable containment products including anteroom, negative pressure isolation room, HEPA filter (mintie.com/product-category/viruskiller) negative air machine, dust containment unit, commercial air purifier for home, etc. To know more, visit https://www.mintie.com/about-us/.

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Grisel Herrick

About the Author

Grisel Herrick
Joined: November 24th, 2020
Articles Posted: 35

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