What does HEPA stand for and what is its purpose?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter. This type of filter is designed to trap a vast majority of very tiny particles that other vacuum cleaner filters might miss. Specifically, HEPA filters are capable of capturing at least 99.97% of particles that have a size of 0.3 microns (µm) in diameter. This level of filtration is crucial in environments where air quality is a concern, especially in asbestos abatement, where hazardous micromaterials must be contained to protect human health and the environment.

The effectiveness of HEPA filters is especially important in industries and situations where airborne particles can pose significant health risks. By efficiently trapping harmful asbestos fibers and other particulates, HEPA filters play a vital role in ensuring cleaner air, thus reducing the potential for exposure to dangerous substances.