What does HEPA stand for?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters remove 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and are effective at relieving allergies from dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, and some chemicals. A fan forces airflow through a filter, capturing particles, and releasing clean air into the room. The more times the air goes through the filter is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate.

 

HEPA filters are not necessarily recommended or certified by the EPA. The EPA says, “Air cleaningmay serve as an adjunct to source control and ventilation. However, the use of air cleaning devices alone cannot assure adequate air quality, particularly where significant sources are present and ventilation is inadequate.”

 

You can find a listing of Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers certified Air Purifiers at http://207.140.180.12/dirsvc/aham.nsf/fraAirCln?OpenFrameset&pgm=Room%20Air%20Cleaners.