A carbon air purifier filter is a type of air filter that uses activated carbon to remove odors, VOCs, and other gases from the air. It can be effective against small or large particles and is often used in conjunction with different types of filters to create a complete air purification system. They are used in homes, schools, hospitals, and other public places to improve the quality of the air.
We all generally know what a carbon filter does. But because it's a secondary filter, oftentimes, people want to know exactly what it does or try to gauge its importance. Be assured that carbon filters are necessary. Can it compare to a HEPA filter? There is no comparison - HEPA filters are powerful, but a carbon filter is specialized in its own right. This article will go into detail about the airborne particles and irritants that a carbon air filter captures so that its capability need not be questioned!
A Carbon Air Filter's Capabilities
The activated carbon in a carbon air filter is highly porous. That means that it has a large surface area to collect contaminants. When pollutants like VOCs, odors, and smoke come into contact with the carbon, they become trapped in its pores. The more activated carbon in a filter, the more effectively it captures these contaminants.
One of the benefits of using a carbon air filter is that it does not produce ozone like other air purification systems. Ozone is a harmful gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath. It is especially dangerous for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Carbon filters do not emit ozone, making them a safe and effective option for improving indoor air quality.
Another benefit, of course, it that it captures a variety of airborne irritants and targets odor molecules. No other filter can neutralize odor like a carbon filter does! So what particles does a carbon filter capture?
Does a carbon filter capture small or large particles or both?
A carbon air filter can capture both small and large particles, but it works best by capturing the larger particles. A "large" particle is considered to be anything over 0.30 microns in diameter.
The size of the pores in the carbon determines how small of a particle it can trap. The smaller the pore, the smaller the particle it can trap. Most carbon filters have pores that are small enough to capture mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and fine dust particles, but they just aren't as abundant as the larger pores.
But this is a good thing - let the secondary filter capture the easy stuff! A carbon filter is the first line of defense in your air purification system, and when it captures large particles, it prolongs the life of the HEPA filter. This way, the HEPA filter isn't immediately clogged with larger particles and will be able to target the smaller, dangerous particulates.
Carbon Vs. Particulates
The carbon filter is excellent at capturing the following particles:
- Pet hair & dander
- Pollen
- Lint
- Dust
- Skin cells
And the carbon filter is satisfactory at capturing the smaller particles:
- Mold spores
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Dust mites
Does a carbon filter capture smoke and odor?
Yes - this is the main feature of the carbon filter, and it is unique from most other filters.
Carbon filters capture a variety of odor molecules and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs are gases that are emitted from certain solids or liquids. They can cause various health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. They are often found in cleaning products, paint fumes, and new furniture.
Carbon Vs. Volatile Organic Compounds
Some common VOCs the carbon air filter will capture include:
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Xylene
And will also capture fumes:
- Wildfire Smoke
- Cigarette Smoke
- Cooking Odors
- Gas
When these VOCs come into contact with the carbon in the filter, they become trapped in the pores and are prevented from entering your lungs. This is why carbon filters are so effective at reducing smoke and odors in the home. Smoke molecules are tiny but won't slip through the large carbon pores. Carbon is adsorbent and will collect particles directly on the surface of the filter.
Carbon Capture
A carbon air filter is an effective way to improve indoor air quality. It captures a variety of airborne contaminants, including VOCs, smoke, and odors. The activated carbon in the filter is highly porous and has a large surface area to collect these pollutants.
Carbon filters do not emit ozone, making them a safe and effective option for people with respiratory conditions. When combined with a HEPA filter, a carbon air filter can help to improve the quality of the air you breathe. www.LifeSupplyUSA.com has an extensive catalog of carbon filters both pre-cut and in large sheets - which can be found here!
