

- Do activated carbon filters protect against covid how to#
- Do activated carbon filters protect against covid windows#
For MERV rating of at least 14, the filter can remove at least 75 per cent of particulates with a size between 0.3 to 1 micron and 90 per cent with size 1 to 3 microns." Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Associate Professor Steve Yim said: "People with respiratory conditions may need filters with a larger MERV rating. Transboundary haze is essentially very small particles, with a large proportion near the 0.3 microns size range," Associate Professor Tham Kwok Wai, Associate Professor David Cheong and Professor Chandra Sekhar said. "By definition a HEPA filter removes 99.97 per cent of 0.3 microns size. Three experts from the Indoor Air Quality Research Unit at NUS' Department of the Built Environment said HEPA targets 0.3-micron particles, which is the most penetrating particle size. So it is important to ensure that the air purifier that you are considering purchasing has been designed to remove such small particles efficiently."

"We are talking about less than 2.5 microns or micrometres, or sometimes it could be even smaller than 1 micron. Prof Balasubramanian said to take note of the particle size the air purifier is designed to remove. To deal with contaminants of such a small size, buyers should look for high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, or those with high minimum efficiency reporting values (MERV) rating, experts said. The key air pollutant of concern during haze is PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Each particle is about 300 to 400 times smaller than human hair, said Prof Balasubramanian. What should I look for when buying an air purifier?
Do activated carbon filters protect against covid windows#
Can't I just close my windows during a haze episode?Įven if you keep all windows in your home closed, tiny particles from haze can still enter gaps and infiltrate your indoor environment, said the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Professor Rajasekhar Balasubramanian.Īlso, keeping windows and doors shut cuts off natural ventilation and allows particles to accumulate, the professor from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering said.Īn air purifier will remove particles through filters, improving the quality of air.
Do activated carbon filters protect against covid how to#
While they were commonly used during past haze episodes in Singapore, those thinking of reusing old devices should check if they are working well.ĬNA spoke to five experts to find out if air purifiers are effective, what you should prioritise when purchasing one and how to test an existing one for its effectiveness. Used indoors, air purifiers – or air cleaners – remove contaminants from the air you breathe in. SINGAPORE: With a high risk of severe transboundary haze this year, consumers are turning to air purifiers to prepare for bad weather conditions.
