Are you looking for a way to get rid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your home? If so, you may be wondering if HEPA filters are effective in removing chemical fumes. Unfortunately, the answer is no. HEPA filters were designed to capture smaller particles in the air and don't have the surface area or chemical absorption properties necessary to trap chemicals. In such cases, you should consider using an air purifier specifically designed to remove VOCs from the air. Pure HEPA air filters don't eliminate odors, chemicals, or gases, so HEPA air purifiers have some level of activated carbon-based material to absorb odors and chemicals that are not picked up by the HEPA element.
The Molekule air purifier's PECO technology can significantly reduce the daily concentrations of VOCs in the home, as well as sudden spikes in VOC levels, by destroying these chemicals present in the air at the molecular level. There are numerous types of air purifiers on the market, each of which uses different technologies to filter the air. Ozone can destroy cell walls and effectively kill biological cells, but research has shown that it is not effective in removing VOCs from the air. Carbon air filters remove pollutants from the air through a process known as adsorption, not absorption. Carbon air filters can quickly capture a large amount of VOCs if the air flow through the filter is high enough. The minimum efficiency report (MERV) values indicate the ability of a filter to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm).
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have approved HEPA filters as the best filter for cleaning air. With PECO technology, there is no risk of these gases being released back into the air due to filter saturation or a change in temperature or humidity (among other environmental conditions) in your home. In recent years, HEPA technology has been used to clean indoor spaces, from homes to beauty salons, hospitals and operating rooms across the country. If you can't find or eliminate the source of VOCs, then you should look for ways to increase ventilation levels in the room while searching for a more permanent solution.
