Breaking it Down Particle by Particle: HEPA Filter Infographic
HEPA filters, standing for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]," represent a pinnacle in mechanical air filtration technology. Officially defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, these filters are designed to achieve a remarkable level of efficiency in removing airborne particles. The theoretical capability of HEPA filters is impressive, as they can remove at least 99.97% of various particulates, including dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other microscopic particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).
Inhale and exhale. Now, imagine what just went in and out of your lungs. The indoor air surrounding us in our homes, schools, places of work, and all the public places and spaces we go to can contain all sorts of contaminants like dust, germs, viral particles, droplets, debris, you name it.
Fortunately, most of the particles in the air are harmless. Individual situations and environments like healthcare settings, more confined public spaces like airplanes, commercial clean rooms, and restrooms can benefit from filtered air.
The hub of human activity, public restrooms are a high-turnover environment with their own set of unique factors where clean air can make a difference. This is where HEPA filtration really cleans up!
The HEPA Advantage
HEPA filters, recognized for their remarkable ability to remove harmful particles, have been a staple in healthcare settings for years. The efficiency of HEPA filters in trapping particles, including bacteria and viruses, has been extensively studied and endorsed. In the context of the current pandemic, the effectiveness of HEPA filters in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has been a subject of scrutiny and validation.
HEPA in Hand Drying
Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that clean towels and air hand dryers are both effective at drying your hands. Germs spread more easily when hands are wet, so drying hands completely with a hand dryer or paper towel is best.
However, automatic touchless hand dryers further promote hand hygiene and cut down on added expenses by eliminating touchpoints and cross-contamination, costs from restocking paper towels, and negative impressions from overflowing trash bins. Couple that with HEPA filtration, and these specific hand drying solutions are a superior option for maintaining a clean restroom. Learn how this technology works to rid contaminants from the air. Click the image below to view the full infographic.
*99.97% effective for particles 0.3 µm or larger.
In conclusion, the combination of HEPA filters and negative ion generators presents a formidable solution for air purification. As technological advancements continue, the integration of ionization technology proves to be a valuable asset in creating environments with pure, impurity-free air—particularly crucial in enclosed spaces like public bathrooms.