Are microscopic particles smaller than 40-microns a problem?
Yes. According to SAE Paper #881825 Correlating Lube Oil Filtration Efficiencies with Engine Wear, “Controlling the abrasive contaminants in the range of 2- to 22-microns in the lube oil is necessary for controlling engine wear.” It is these small particles that pass through the standard oil filter and cut into the tiniest micro-machined clearances inside your engine.