What is HEPA?
HEPA – High Efficiency Particulate Air / Arresting HEPA is a method of filtering particles out of the air that are so small they cannot be seen with the naked eye. HEPA law requires it meets the strict filtration standards of effectively trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns, at least 99.97% of the time.
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air (filter). It was a technology developed in the 1940’s by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission to fulfill a top-secret need for an efficient way to filter radioactive particulate contaminants. HEPA is a type of highly efficient filtration media that removes microscopic particles from air passing through the filter. There are different ranges of efficiencies depending on the particle size. The most efficient form of HEPA removes 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns that pass through the filter. A HEPA air purifier will not capture chemical gasses.
Arguably the most misunderstood concept of a vacuum cleaner is that of HEPA. We could spend a large amount of time trying to provide a lot of information, but our intent is to give an overview and cut through the clutter to supply you with a useful guide to HEPA filtration. During WWII, scientists developing the atomic bomb needed to devise a means of filtering small, not able to be seen particles. Out of this desire the HEPA standard was developed. HEPA is an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air. The HEPA standard demands that 99.97% of all particles (.3 microns or larger) must be captured by the filter media. That is a very exact standard. Let’s also be clear on something. You and I are unable to see anything that is .3 microns in size without a microscope. For most people without respiratory issues, this is not an issue. But for people with allergies or respiratory problems this can be at the least, irritating, and at worst, life threatening. We are going to address the misco
