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Air cleaners are able to absorb chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, particles and even dust. They have the ability to remove some particles from the air that can’t even be seen by the naked eye. How do air purifiers work their magic? Most air cleaners are able to eliminate these small particles and contaminants with HEPA technology. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. HEPA technology is the most advanced and effective type of filtering system that has been discovered for an air cleaner. The design and function of the HEPA filter makes it the most advanced and efficient way to filter air through air cleaners.
A HEPA filter is able to absorb 99.7% of all particles that are 0.03 microns and larger in size. A micron is measured at about 1/1000 the width of a human hair. Most particles that are 0.03 microns and smaller are not even visible to the human eye. In order to meet the criteria of a true HEPA filter, the filter must be able to absorb particles this small. The size of a particle that is 0.03 microns can be compared to 1/300 of the diameter of a human hair. It is approximately 1/75,000 of an inch.
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission was the first to develop HEPA technology in the 1940’s. It was first developed as a top-secret way to remove airborne radioactive particles that were contaminating the air. The development of the atom bomb, also known as the Manhattan Project, was in need of a way to filter air. The first filters that were developed by the U.S Atomic Energy Commission were bulky and hard to manage. The design of the filters was later improved to be smaller and easier to handle. After World War II, the HEPA filters were declassified and allowed for commercial or residential use. The technology was later used to develop air cleaners that are used not only for radioactive particles and commercial uses but also for residential and office use. The HEPA filters in air cleaners are used to clean air not only in hospitals and waiting rooms but also in personal homes and manufacturing companies where employees may be exposed to chemicals or fumes. One of the most popular places air cleaners with HEPA technology are used is computer chip manufacturing companies. The machines used inside of these buildings to develop computer chips can omit harmful and toxic gases. The use of the air cleaner with HEPA technology can eliminate these dangerous toxins from the air, keeping the employees of these manufacturing companies safe and healthy. HEPA filters are able to offer “absolute” filtration of particles in the air.
Since air cleaners that are equipped with HEPA filters are able to remove most contaminants from the air, they have many benefits for users. Air cleaners that use HEPA technology can rid the air of toxins such as chemical fumes, smoke and allergens. By removing these particles from the air, it is less likely for asthma and allergy sufferers to be affected by the air. They will suffer fewer attacks with cleaner indoor air. By using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter, it is proven that a person can breathe healthier air, have more energy, sleep with more ease, concentrate better on work or studies and think more creatively and clearly. Air cleaners with HEPA filters are also being used lately for more serious applications. The HEPA technology is used in hospitals and for treatment of burn victims and orthopedic surgery. The technology is also used for treatments that involve immunological isolation. In order to be considered a HEPA filter, the filter must meet the standards of the Military Standard 282 HEPA filtration efficiency test.
With such strict standards on filtration and quality, it is no wonder that HEPA technology is the most popular type of filter used in air cleaners. The filters are able to track almost all particles in the air and are effective at making indoor air cleaner and healthier to breathe. HEPA technology is used not only for commercial and professional purposes but also for residential and office use. The technology can help those suffering from allergies or asthma to have fewer attacks. Air cleaners equipped with HEPA technology are an efficient and effective way to rid the air of toxins and contaminants.
