The short answer is yes...and no
How many microns in size is the COVID-19 virus? The COVID-19 virus is approximately 0.125 Micron or 125 nano-meters in diameter. (Source: National Library of Medicine) However, it often travels in biological aerosols from coughing and sneezing which range in size from 0.5-3 Micron.
How does HEPA filtration work?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and is a filtration rating that captures
microbes, dust, and particulates down to 0.3 Micron.
But what does that really mean and how do they work?
The U.S. Department of Energy first termed HEPA as a filtering special cation for suppliers of
Filtration products based on how effective they were at particle removal.
HEPA filters consist of a complicated mix of filaments and fibers that carry a static charge
which lures various microbes and particles like a magnet.
While the particles travel through the air filtration system, they’re captured and retained
within the filter. Additionally, an interesting scientific effect occurs known as Brownian
Motion which causes particles in certain media states (such as fluid) to bounce around and
become trapped.
How do N95 face masks compare to HEPA air purifiers?
You may see or hear about people wearing surgical masks or N95 industrial rated masks to
prevent themselves and others from being exposed to Covid-19. One important thing to
note is that these masks are not as effective as HEPA air purifier systems like the Phoenix
Guardian R - Air Scrubber.
N95 face masks capture 95% of particles down to 0.3 micron. This means that 5% still get
through the protection. HEPA air purifiers in contrast are 99.97% effective at 0.3 Micron and
are much more efficient than face masks.
N95 is an industrial NIOSH (U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
safety standard for respirators. The N is for “Not resistant to oil” and the 95 refers to the
minimal is efficiency level at 0.3 microns (of which is it 95% efficient).
How do viruses like COVID-19 spread through the air?
By nature, viruses are sub-micron in size-we’re talking 500nm (0.5 micron) and below. Not
to mention viruses only require a small amount to enter your body in order to start an
infection.
The sad truth is that some viruses will inevitably pass through any HEPA filter.
Here’s why…
Typically, viruses like COVID-19 or even H1N1 are spread through the air via biological
aerosols. These tiny moisture droplets are expelled whenever you sneeze, or cough!
They carry bacteria and viruses through the air and ultimately your respiratory system.
Overtime, with enough volume or use, particles will eventually separate and penetrate the
filter due to their sub-micron size.
How can a HEPA air purifier help lower the spread of the COVID-19 virus? Research studies have been conducted to test the efficacy of HEPA filtration on moisture droplets containing viruses. This was due to the potential of using pathogens as biological weapons. Most biological aerosols range in sizes from 0.5-3 micron. This means that HEPA air purifiers such as the Phoenix Guardian R - Air Scrubber will effectively capture the microbes contained within the aerosol particles. On paper, it is impossible for any HEPA filter to be 100% effective since many microbes are less than 0.03 micron in size—but that’s in an isolated form where they typically can’t survive long. Plus, research is still being done on the subject. An interesting study performed by NASA indicated that HEPA filters were able to capture sub-micron particulate down to 0.1 micron! You can view the study here: NASA HEPA Study Additionally, all testing is performed using brand new filters. HEPA filters actually work better the “dirtier” they get (up to the point where airow is restricted). Phoenix Guardian R - Air Scrubber are designed to cycle and scrub the air of a 7500 cu ft room 4 times per hour. This makes them an excellent option for capturing airborne contagions such as COVID-19 Not only do HEPA air purifiers capture viruses, but they also create a cleaner work area in general. If you work in an area with potential airborne hazards or particles, then the Pure Breeze is an excellent piece of equipment to promote better air quality and health. No air purifier will capture the virus with 100% certainty—but HEPA air purifier can greatly help to reduce the spread AND capture the Covid virus in your home or workplace. Given justified concerns over the spread of COVID-19, there are some who have suggested that air filtration is ineffective and instead make other recommendations. This is a false dichotomy. Protective measures are both
reasonable and cumulative; both/and rather than either/or. Combine this with CDC recommended safety procedures like washing your hands or wearing masks and you’re odds of spreading any corona virus decrease exponentially. For more information on the COVID-19 virus and additional ways you can help prevent it’s spread, visit the official CDC page here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html.
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