HEPA filters are designed to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes many common airborne toxins. However, some companies may market air purifiers with basic filters or what we could describe as HEPA-type filters. These HEPA-type filters don't filter the smallest toxins from the air. Research has shown that ozone is not effective in removing VOCs from the air, even though it can destroy cell walls and effectively destroy biological cells. Under certain circumstances, PCO filters can break down certain toxic volatile organic compounds; however, they require them to be exposed to intense UV-C light to slowly break them down over time.
People can be sensitive to a variety of chemicals, such as deodorant sprays, perfumes, smoke, paint fumes, plastic products, perfumed products, and basic household cleaning products. The EPA has not found any evidence that a reasonable amount of indoor plants is effective in removing significant amounts of indoor air pollutants. The type and weight of the carbon filter are directly related to the amount of chemical fumes to be removed. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemical substances composed mainly of carbon that evaporate easily into the air at room temperature. This means that there is no risk of the filter releasing volatile organic compounds (as is the case with carbon filtration) again when it is full or when the temperature or humidity in the home changes.
This may mean removing carpets, furniture, or stickers, or leaving the room ventilated and not re-entering until the concentration of volatile organic compounds has been reduced. Today, almost all air purifiers use a Hepa filter to remove pollutants and allergens from the air, such as traffic pollution, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria. In cases like these, you should definitely consider using an air purifier designed to remove VOCs from the air. The first and best step is always to research and focus on eliminating the source of VOCs from your environment, or leaving the environment until the emission of gases decreases. Air purifiers with filters pass air through a filter, where polluting particles or gases are trapped, and return clean air to the room. There are numerous types of air purifiers on the market, each of which uses different technologies to filter the air.
Carbon air filters can quickly capture a large amount of VOCs if the air flow through the filter is high enough. Now that you know which types of air purification technologies are not effective in removing VOCs from the air, here are those that are designed for this purpose: HEPA filters are designed to capture particles down to 0.3 microns which include many common airborne toxins; PCO filters can break down certain toxic volatile organic compounds; and carbon air filters can quickly capture a large amount of VOCs if the air flow through the filter is high enough.
