COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is spread through respiratory droplets. As such, air quality is an important part of the conversation on the transmission of COVID-19. This conversation is particularly necessary because of the limited outdoor activity associated with the pandemic. With people spending more time indoors, it is important to consider air quality and air filters from LifeSupplyUSA to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
This article shares all you need to know about COVID-19 and air filters.
What are air filters?
Air filters from LifeSupplyUSA are designed for the physical removal of particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen to improve indoor air quality. Air filters are particularly aimed at preventing the aggravation of allergies in indoor spaces. The common type of air filter used in homes is the HEPA filter.
The meaning of HEPA is high-efficiency particulate arresting. This means that these filters are particularly effective at arresting particles and removing them from air circulation. The filters can trap particles with a diameter as small as 0.01 micron.
Air filters and COVID-19
Experts have also shared that air filters can help reduce the chances of transmission of the virus. A portable air filter from LifeSupplyUSA can remove particles, including the respiratory droplets through which the disease is spread.
Airborne Virus
Air filters' role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is related to the fact that aerosolized particles can cause the disease. Research has indicated that the aerosolized particles even pose a greater risk of transmission than the respiratory droplets.
Activities like singing, talking, coughing, and sneezing cause the release of respiratory droplets, including microscopic droplets that can be aerosolized. The aerosolized particles travel farther than six feet indoors and cause an infection when they contact mucous membranes.
Since the aerosolized particles have a diameter of about 0.03 microns, air filters can be effectively applied to eliminate them from indoor spaces and improve the overall air quality.
How air filters work
As highlighted earlier, air filters work to remove the particles from the indoor spaces where they are applied. Even though they are quite efficient tools for removing viral particles from spaces, air filters are quite limited.
Ventilation Required
Firstly, air filters basically support proper ventilation. If a room already has good ventilation, an air filter won't significantly improve air quality. This is because the proper ventilation is already doing the work of recirculating the air and removing the infective particles. If a room is getting a lot of fresh air, it probably doesn't need an air filter.
On the other hand, if a room does not have proper ventilation, air filters could do a lot of good for air quality in that space. Indoor spaces that are usually poorly ventilated include basements and sometimes bedrooms.
Efficiency Ratings
You should also note that air filter efficiency is also based on the size of the room. A parameter called the clean air delivery rate (CADR) determines how a filter can trap particles and recirculate the air.
Generally, the CADR determines the suitability of an air filter for different indoor spaces. The higher the CADR of an air filter, the bigger the size of the room it can handle.
Another parameter for measuring the quality of indoor air is the number of air changes every hour. The recommended number of air changes every hour is between four and six. Manufacturers usually specify the core specifications that determine the efficiency of air filters.
Replace Frequently
Air filters from LifeSupplyUSA should be replaced every three to four months if it's a carbon filter, and six to twelve months if it's HEPA-rated. Manufacturers typically highlight maintenance and replacement instructions and guides.
Air filters are a great support tool.
It is vital to state using air filters is just one of the numerous measures of preventing the virus's spread. If proper preventive measures are taken, the infective particles will not enter homes and other indoor spaces in the first place. Air filters from LifeSupplyUSA become particularly necessary when there is a high chance of viral particles being in an area. Please note that while air filters can help remove indoor air quality, they are not exactly a magic bullet that eliminates COVID 19.