HEPA Air Filters and Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome was a big issue in the 1990's and continues to be a concern today. Modern buildings that are sealed from the outside environment become a depository of harmful airborne particles. Chemicals from building materials are released into the air and cause respiratory and allergy problems, liver damage and suppression of the immune system.

HEPA air filters are now used in air filtration systems in most modern buildings. HEPA filters significantly reduce the amount of airborne contaminants because they can filter particles to the sub-micron level.

HEPA Air Filters Clean Contaminated Air

Contaminated air has both heavy particles that eventually settle on the ground and light gases and particles that remain airborne. Most (99%) of these airborne particles are invisible - sized below 40 microns. Despite their small size they are deadly to humans.

Tobacco smoke, for example, has particles averaging 0.25 microns. The TB virus is 0.1 microns. The only way to capture small particles like this is with a HEPA air filter.

An air filtration system equipped with HEPA air filters is an effective way to eliminate these harmful particles. If they are left in the environment they are absorbed by the human body and cause all sorts of symptoms and disease. Poor indoor air quality affects worker productivity and morale, and is directly responsible for increased rates of sick leave.

Without a HEPA air filter system the indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Simply increasing the air intake is not a solution because the air-intake vent could be close to bus stop or other sources of polluted air such as restaurant exhaust vents.

Increasing the amount of new air also increase energy expenditures for heating and cooling - the very expenditures sealed building were supposed to reduce.

HEPA Air Filters - The Solution for Sick Building Syndrome

There are many ways to approach the problem of Sick Building Syndrome, but almost all solution include the use of HEPA air filters. A HEPA air filter system can be supplemented by reducing the sources of airborne pollutants. This can be done by selecting building materials such as lead-free paint, carpeting which is formeldehyde-free, and sealed wood surfaces that prevent the escape of harmful chemicals.

The HEPA filter system is installed on an air circulation system that delivers a fresh supply of filtered air several times per hour. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of outside air and circulating the interior air at a higher rate. This faster circulation rate also helps to minimize the buildup of fungi and bacteria by eliminating moisture build-up.

HEPA Air Filters for the Home

Many of these same principals can be applied to improving the air quality in the standard home. A HEPA air filter can significantly reduce the amount of airborne contaminants, making the home environment more comfortable and healthier.

The choice of building materials in a new or renovated home is also important. When at all possible, avoid the use of synthetic materials in carpeting and furnishings and allow newly installed cabinets or newly painted walls to air out thoroughly.

These measures should be supplemented with the installation of a HEPA air filter system and the use of a HEPA vacuum cleaner for creating the healthiest, most comfortable home environment for you and your family.