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Frequently Asked Questions about Air Cleaners & HEPA Filters

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Why do I need a HEPA filter or Air Cleaner?

Air pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions, cause bodily irritations, sickness and even disease. The air inside the typical home is up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. That's because the home is an enclosed environment full of potential sources of air pollution.

Some families are in greater need of indoor air quality systems, due to any number of factors including:
• A family member with allergies,
• Young children or older family members living in the home,
• A family member with asthma,
• A family member with chronic illness or respiratory problems,
• A member of the household who is a smoker,
• Recent or ongoing renovations causing excess dust and irritants,
• Living in an older home, where dust and mold become an issue,
• Any regular or heavy use of chemicals or airborne irritants in the home (indoor workshops or extermination projects, for example),
• A family pet living in the home,
• Carpeting in many rooms (these trap allergens and irritants more than hardwood or other, non-textile floor types),
• Someone in the family has a cold or flu virus

What is HEPA?

HEPA is a filtration standard created by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. HEPA filter media is proven to be 99.97% efficient @ 0.3 microns. Due to their extremely high efficiency, HEPA filters have become widely used in medical, electronic and industrial applications. HEPA filters are composed of a various sized borosilicate fibers, which are pressed together to form a netlike structure with openings large enough for air to pass through but too small for most particulates. (Find out more)

What will a HEPA filter remove from the air my family breathes?

Allergens, such as:
• house dust
• mold
• feathers
• wool
• cosmetics
• dander or furry pets
• tobacco smoke
• aerosols
• fresh paint

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
• VOCs are released into the air by common household items. These can include chemicals, such as cleaning agents, or synthetic floors (laminate or nylon carpeting).
• VOCs have been known to trigger respiratory problems and headaches, and lead to the buil-up of toxins in our bodies.

Bio-Burden, or airborne organic material:
• Bio-burden describes the amount of biological material in the air, living or dead.
• Dead organic material can cause allergic reactions.
• Living organic material can cause allergic reactions.
• Some living organic materials can cause disease.

How are particles in the air measured?

Airborne particulates are measured in microns. One micron is equal to one-milionth of a meter, or 1/25000th of an inch.

Where can I find out more?

We have posted a report where you can learn more, here.

For more information about air cleaners and HEPA filters, contact us at 613.233.1115

246 Rochester St. • Ottawa, ON • K1R 7N1 • info@homeservicegroup.ca • 613.233.1115 • Fax 613. 237.1080

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