HEPA is a standard for air filtering. It was established by the Atomic Energy Commission, originally with the purpose to develop a high standard for removing radioactive particles from the air. Although no longer considered in those terms, HEPA is still the common standard by which the effectiveness of HEPA air cleaners can be assured.
In order to be HEPA certified, a filter must be able to trap 99.97% of the particulates in the air that are the size of 0.3 microns or larger. True Medical Grade HEPA must also be capable of removing 95% of pollutants that are 0.1 microns and smaller.
HEPA air cleaners are considered to be the most effective filters for eliminating the main pollutants that cause health problems and increase the risk of asthma, allergies and even cancer. Some types of particulates that are filtered out by HEPA air purifier systems are dust mites and their feces, dead skin cells, pollen, pet dander and mold, to name a few.
Since homes have become more airtight, in an effort to improve energy efficiency and lower electrical consumption, this has lead to an interesting and unexpected condition: indoor air pollution. The level of indoor air pollution you experience in your home will vary, but if you have your doors and windows sealed tight against the weather, there is no doubt that there is a problem in your home environment, whether you can see it or not.
This factor is one of the reasons that the incidence of asthma and allergies has been sharply on the increase, as well as some forms of cancer which are being linked to the quality of air in the home. HEPA air cleaners can help to drastically turn the odds in your favor by removing the vast majority of the dangerous and toxic particulates that might have built up in your home.
And, you may think that your home is safe, that there are no toxins floating around in your air, that there is nothing in your home that should cause concern. However, if you use any aerosols and any type of cleaning products, then there are miniscule particles that are released from those products and they are building up in your home every time you clean the stove, scrub the toilet, do a load of laundry or any other type of cleaning that uses any type of chemical. Because of these facts, room air purifiers and especially HEPA air cleaners will likely become a very basic necessity in every home soon.
While HEPA air cleaners won't protect you or your family from every health concern that might beset you, due to your home environment, you can reduce the risk of respiratory and sinus problems and often eliminate headaches that seem to have no cause. They can improve your sleep as well.
Most HEPA air cleaners these days are very energy efficient, which is helpful since they need to be running 24 hours a day in order to be effective. However, the replacement of air purifier filters can be costly over the years, so before you decide what which model to buy, be sure to also compare the cost of the replacement filters.
Published by Martin Aranovitch on October 13, 2007 09:18 PM
