HEPA air filters can have a good and a bad side. Be a wise consumer.
The down side:
If you close windows to run your unit, your body may become oxygen-deprived. With windows open, you are filtering the "great outdoors."
Closing windows may not allow for adequate air exchange. Waste gases need to be gotten rid of.
Carbon material in some room air filters can get contaminated with mold. Mold can be spewed into the room, worsening symptoms of asthma and allergies.
HEPA air filters: Do you really need one?
"HEPA" means that the filter removes 99.97% of particulates 0.3 microns and larger - down to the level of mold spores and tobacco smoke. "HEPA" can be a misleading phrase, however. The phrase "HEPA-like" can be meaningless. Or, a manufacturer may say that the unit removes 99.97% of particles 5.0 microns (not 0.3) and larger.
Make sure you chose a quality HEPA air cleaner that has good
internal sealing and quality manufacturing.
Some well-known units labeled "HEPA" do not measure up to HEPA standards.
An effective vacuum cleaner might be more needed. Upgrading your furnace filter to a quality pleated media filter might also be a
good choice. Just because a HEPA air cleaner claims it is
"capable of capturing microscopic particles and claims a
high "filter efficiency" does not tell the whole
story, make sure the HEPA air cleaner you choose has a good
total system efficiency and is manufactured with quality.
The good side
If your house has a mechanical fresh air source, HEPA air filters can reduce particle counts in living areas without you being deprived of oxygen.
If someone in the house or neighboring apartment smokes, these air filters can effectively reduce levels of particulates - though tobacco combustion chemicals
remain unless you choose a HEPA air cleaner that has activated
carbon or other compounds to capture chemical fumes..
If you have asthma, HEPA air cleaners can be run in the bedroom. If there is a mold condition, HEPA air filters can be useful in removing mold spores from circulation.
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Comparisons
Air Purifier Info
Indoor Air Quality
Sick Building Syndrome
HEPA Drawbacks
HEPA Info
NJC HEPA Study
Air Purifier Research
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