HEPA Air Purifiers Are a Top Consumer Choice
Developed during the Manhattan Project, HEPA technology was commercialized within a decade. By the 1950s, it was in use at most military installations around the world. By the 1960s, it was in use at most hospitals, and filters and purifiers were readily available for private use. Nevertheless, it would be many years later that consumers began to truly recognize the value of HEPA in the home, school and office.
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
At one point, we believed that pollution was only a danger outside our doors. What we know now is that pollution is actually more dangerous indoors. Pollution indoors is much more concentrated, and over the long term, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is actually much more deadly than poor outdoor air quality is. In fact, many health professionals believe low IAQ to be the leading cause of the rise in asthma and allergies cases.
HEPA is the Top Consumer Choice
Realizing the danger to their children, many consumers began to purchase air purification systems for their homes. Most consumers choose HEPA because HEPA offers a number of advantages that the competition does not. HEPA is relatively inexpensive. HEPA does not require frequent changing. HEPA performance doesn’t degrade: It’s saturated or it’s not. HEPA doesn’t release any harmful byproducts, and it’s proven the optimal choice for those who suffer from asthma and allergies.
The Optimal Choice for Asthma and Allergies
Almost all doctors recommend HEPA air purification to asthma and allergy sufferers, and most of the major brands have units specifically geared toward sufferers. Portable units are a particularly strong option because the sufferer can simply bring the unit into any room with them. HEPA is so effective, in fact, that some allergy and asthma sufferers have completely eradicated their symptoms by using it. For those with severe cases, HEPA can help reduce symptoms to a mild level.
HEPA Removes 99.97% of Particulates
Based on Department of Energy guidelines, any filter labeled “HEPA filter” must remove 99.97 percent of all particles down to 0.3 microns in size. Consider that the human air is about 70 microns thick. In the U.S., there is no difference between a standard and medical-grade HEPA filter. Other countries, however, have different guidelines. Filters with the label “HEPA Like” or “HEPA Type” are not up to DOE regulations.
Carbon for Comprehensive Purification
It’s worth noting that HEPA does not filter gases, chemicals and odors. For that, most people will use an activated carbon filter. Many commercial filters actually use a two-part system of HEPA and carbon, and most air purification units manufactured by the top brands include both a HEPA and carbon solution. Keep in mind that some units are HEPA-only, and it’s best to have a comprehensive system in one’s home.
Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher specializing in HEPA air purifiers. For readers who are interested in learning more about this subject, Peter recommends they check out AmorWares.com.