I ordered a Smartphone but received a Feature phone... The story of HEPA filtration
Imagine this .... You are doing some internet research around the best smartphone to buy but at an affordable cost. You see one online that labels itself as a smartphone, claims to behave like a smartphone and claims to have all the features of a smartphone at a fraction of the price. You place your order, it arrives at your door and all that's inside is
What do you do? You call the supplier and complain, you write to the consumer ombudsman. Basically you do anything you can to ensure you get your money back or receive the Smartphone that you ordered.
So how is this the story of HEPA filtration? Well this is what we see all too often on the market. Different products claim to be or to use "HEPA" filters but when they come to the actual performance required, do not achieve what is actually expected of a HEPA filter. Like the case of asking for a smartphone and getting a feature phone.... Yes I got a phone (A filter) but i didn't receive a smartphone (HEPA filter). So is there any examples of this? Unfortunately yes below I am going to show two examples. The first is an image of a Face Mask that claimed to use "HEPA" Filtration (Its OK I wasnt fooled into purchasing this for any other reason than proving a point). The second example shows a side by side comparison of a Certified HEPA filter (To EN1822) vs a filter that claims to be a HEPA filter. If anyone can quantify how these can be called HEPA filters please let me know
So if there are so many examples of these false HEPA filters on the Market what can you do as a consumer? Well lets take promotion out of it and just look at some facts. HEPA filters have been used in Hospitals, Pharmaceutical plants and other controlled environments for many years. So what is the one common requirement for HEPA filters to be installed in these environments. That the HEPA filters are individually scanned and certified to either EN1822:2019 standard or ISO 29463. Once you have this individual certification then there are other factors to consider to choose the right HEPA filter for your application (Airflow requirements, Filtration efficiency, Lifetime, application etc.)
So what is the point of this article.... With many "HEPA" filters entering the market to help with the current pandemic I wanted to give one quick and easy tip for anyone interested in purchasing either a HEPA air purifier or HEPA filters..... ALWAYS ASK FOR A TEST CERT
If anyone has any questions or would like to discuss anything in this article please feel free to comment or send an email to david.cruise@camfil.com and I will be happy to help you in anyway I can
Experienced Head of Human Resources, Senior Human Resources Manager, and Organisation Development Manager.
3yA good point, very well made. Further to this, another important consideration would be the integrity of the HEPA filter once it has been fitted. Ensuring that integrity, and maintaining that the integrity remains throughout the lifetime of the filter, at regular intervals will increase the protection of your people, process and products. (And the all important indoor air quality) If anyone is looking for a professional service provider, I might be able to help you out. 😃
Experienced EMEA sales professional .. on leave ..open for opportunity
3yAlways make sure whats in the box is what it says on the box ..Be aware and ask for certificates and standards that your chosen product is tested to . Always be sure as its a vital to have the correct filters in systems that maintain good IAQ and protect people , products and our health
Passionate about WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
3ycobbler, stick to your last.. That would solve a lot, no? 😊