What Particles Does a HEPA Filter Remove?

Since the coronavirus pandemic officially hit the United States in 2020, we’ve all become even more vigilant about what types of air particles we’re breathing. Unsurprisingly, this led to a 57% growth in the air purifier market in 2020, according to a 2021 Consumer Reports (CM) article.

It’s important to note that air purifiers are not all created equal. According to tests done by CM, the best performing air purifiers are the ones with a HEPA filter.

Why should I get an air purifier?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies have linked the size of certain air particles to their potential health consequences. For example, small particles (particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter) can get into your lungs and then possibly even into your bloodstream, making you sick if the airborne particles are hazardous in some way.

Where do I get an air purifier with a HEPA filter?

Considering that air quality has the potential to make us sick from airborne contaminants, such as mold or germs, or from allergies from irritants, such as wildfire smoke, tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, or pet dander, getting this portable HEPA air purifier is going to positively affect you and your family’s health.

This air purifier has a three-step filtration system, a true HEPA filter, and a carbon filter to eliminate any unfortunate odors in your home. Also, it has a sensor that adjusts the fan speed as needed and measures the air quality. Plus, it has a display that lets you know what the air quality in the room is and when it’s time to change the filter.

So, what exactly can a HEPA filter remove from indoor air?

The EPA notes scientific studies that link particle matter found in the air to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; worsening of coronary or respiratory illnesses; and premature death in cases of heart and lung disease. An air purifier with a HEPA filter is the best way to keep the indoor air cleaner, as HEPA filters can improve your indoor air quality by removing the following contaminants (according to CM):

COVID-19 Virus Particles: HEPA filters have been proven to be able to capture COVID-19 particles. Plus, CM notes that since COVID particles travel inside aerosol respiratory droplets, the HEPA filter is even more likely to filter some of the virus (and possibly other viruses) out of the air, reducing the spread of the virus. It’s important to note, however, that the filter only helps with the airborne transmission of airborne viruses. Therefore, you still need to be taking all other precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Pollen/Dust/Pet Dander: HEPA filters can catch 99.97% of all these allergens and other irritants, reducing asthma symptoms, congestion, and other allergy symptoms.

Wildfire Smoke: Considering the intense wildfires experienced in parts of the country these last few years, getting clean air in our indoor spaces has probably never been more important. A HEPA filtration system is the best way to assist with smoke.

Cigarette Smoke: While a HEPA filter will help filter out smoke, it won’t filter out all the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. Therefore, if you’re a smoker, you should still smoke outdoors and keep a HEPA filter inside your home to protect your family members from the chemicals that may be released into the air from your clothes and hair. Cigarette smokers should also consider Ohm Tobacco, where you’ll find cigarette tobacco with great flavor, electronic cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking accessories.

Considering that a 2016 study found that electronic cigarettes pollute the air less than conventional cigarettes, using an OHM device, such as an e-cig, with one of the OHM tobacco blends could be the better option for a better tobacco flavor and to (possibly) help you quit smoking.