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The HEPA definition is in simple terms a method of filtering particles out of the air that are so small they cannot even been seen with the naked eye. Any filter can trap larger particles, but the hepa definition in and of itself means extra pure air. The true test of a HEPA air purifier is that it can effectively (at least 99.7% of the time) trap particle as small as 0.3 microns. A micron is one millionth of a meter, so 0.3 is extremely small, even microscopic.
What is a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter is a unique type of filter found in HEPA filtration units, humidifiers – including the ionic humidifier – and in the HEPA air purifier. HEPA law requires that it meet the strict filtration standards of removing particles as small as 0.3 microns almost 100 percent of the time.
When you think of what is floating around in the air we breathe, it’s enough to make you sick! There are items in the air, such as human hair, that measures between 70 and100 microns. If we look, we can see it. But what about bacteria? It measures between .35 and 10 microns; dust mites’ excrement measures 0.5 to 50 microns. Mould comes in at somewhere between 20 and 200 microns. All of these air bourn particles would be trapped easily with a true HEPA filter.
Many other types of filters could be considered prefilter systems because they keep particles from the air while HEPA filters trap the particles already there.
How Do You Know You Are Getting A HEPA Filter?
All HEPA filters by definition must comply with air purification standards outlined in U.S. Military Standard 282. This means it has been tested to be able to filter the air to that strict 99.97% efficiency to the 0.3 micron level. If a filter that claims to be a HEPA filter doesn’t not have the standard label vitalizing the filter as a true HEPA according to this definition, it is not a HEPA filter.
Where Do You Find HEPA Filters Being Used?
HEPA filters are used in everyday home air purification and humidifier systems. You will also find them in many high end models of vacuum cleaners. This way the particles drawn into the vacuum are not just blown out with the exhaust. All particles above 0.3 microns are trapped in the filter according to HEPA definition.
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