PM2.5 vs. HEPA Filter

With the increasing awareness of the effects of pollution and the concern over the spread of germs, consumers are considering different air purifiers to help reduce their exposure. When determining the best air purifier, you may need to consider PM2.5 vs. HEPA filter and how effective a HEPA filter is.

HEPA Filters vs. PM2.5 Effectiveness

Brands install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in their air purifiers with the idea of improving indoor air quality in mind. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each filter receives testing at an independent air filter test facility. These filters eliminate 99.97% of larger particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. Additionally, these filters have been shown to reduce PM2.5 concentrations by 50%. For more comparisons with HEPA filters, check out our guide to plasma air purifiers vs. HEPA filters.

What Does PM2.5 Mean?

PM stands for particulate matter, so PM2.5 (sometimes written as PM_2.5) refers to particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller. This size is roughly 3% of the diameter of a single strand of human hair. The EPA and several other organizations consider these microscopic particles to be fine inhalable particles. People are exposed to these particles through both indoor and outdoor air pollution, and PM2.5 poses the most significant risk.

How is PM2.5 Harmful?

PM2.5 particles may get into your lungs and heart. People with cardiovascular disease or lung disease may suffer the most due to these common particles. However, others may experience nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, and other respiratory issues. Hazardous levels may also impair vision, such as when haze occurs in parts of the U.S.

Do HEPA Filters Remove PM2.5?

In one study, a HEPA air purifier with pre-filters was placed in two rooms within the non-smoking homes of 71 children with asthma. The household’s PM2.5 was measured at baseline and again at one year. In the experimental group of 36 families, the researchers saw significantly smaller concentrations of PM2.5 at the one-year follow-up. In addition, these high-efficiency mechanical filters reduced the indoor PM concentrations by 60%. Something else to consider is if a room or whole-house air purifier is better and more effective.

HEPA and Activated Carbon Air Purifiers

When researchers placed an air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filters in 43 households with children with asthma, the air purifiers significantly reduced the number of pollutants and airborne particles indoors. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to buy an air purifier, so you get the right one. In addition, the homes with less outside air coming in saw more of an improvement than those with dust mites and gaseous pollutants coming from outside sources. However, results varied between homes, and thus individual exposure reduction strategies were recommended.

What is an Activated Carbon Filter for Air Purifiers?

An activated carbon filter eliminates gaseous pollutants and organic compounds from the air. In addition, this product will eliminate odors from the air in your house or office. When removing toxins in the air, the activated carbon catches more than a fabric air filter. However, on their own, these filters do not trap as many particles. Combined with HEPA filters, the two can eliminate both gaseous and airborne pollutants. For more info, check out our match-ups of HEPA filters vs air purifiers, and water air purifiers vs filters.

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