Air Purifier and Filter Buying Guide – A-Z
If you’re looking to buy an air purifier, this short A-Z glossary of terms should help you understand some of the terminology we use and how that relates to performance.
If you have any questions about air purifiers or filters that are not covered by this guide, get in touch to talk to one of our friendly air quality consultants today.
ACH
Air Changes per Hour. This figure indicates the number of times an air purifier can completely refresh the air in a room in the space of an hour.
Air Filtration System
In a healthcare setting, an air purifier can be part of a larger air filtration system that will work to create the ideal atmospheric conditions for staff and patient safety. Read our full guide to air filtration systems in hospitals.
Air Conditioning System
Systems used to control the temperature in a room. Read our guide to the differences between air conditioners and air purifiers.
Air Purifier
Air purifiers use advanced filters to remove potentially harmful particles from the air. Good air purifiers are capable of removing up to 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 micron in size, while trapping and killing up to 99% of viruses and bacteria. Take a look at our range of specialist air purifiers for healthcare settings.
CADR
Clean Air Delivery Rate. The rate at which an air purifier can completely filter the air in a room. For example, our Blueair HealthProtect 7440i air purifier has a CADR of 4.8 times an hour.
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. This is the UK law requiring employers in all industries to prevent or reduce workers’ exposure to certain hazardous substances. Read our full guide to meeting your COSHH obligations.
Dehumidifier
A system for removing excess moisture from the air. Read our guide to the differences between air purifiers and dehumidifiers.
Hazardous and Toxic Air Pollutant
Any pollutant which is known or suspected to be harmful to health and the environment. Examples of hazardous and toxic air pollutants include particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide. Read our complete guide to hazardous and toxic air pollutants.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In healthcare settings, air filtration systems are considered a vital part of the overall HVAC system, and different areas of the hospital will have different requirements depending on the sort of procedures that are carried out.
HEPA Filter
High-efficiency particulate air filter. Read our full guide to what a HEPA filter is and how it works.
PM1
Particulate Matter (PM), a hazardous and toxic air pollutant. The number refers to the size of the particle in micrometres. PM1 contains particles with a diameter of 1 micrometre or smaller. Examples include smoke, bacteria, and pollen.
PM2.5
Particulate Matter (PM), a hazardous and toxic air pollutant. The number refers to the size of the particle in micrometres. PM2.5 contains particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. Examples include dust and pet dander. As the particles are so small, when inhaled they can travel deep into your lungs and enter your bloodstream.
PM10
Particulate Matter (PM), a hazardous and toxic air pollutant. The number refers to the size of the particle in micrometres. PM10 contains particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or smaller, which includes viruses.
UVC
UVC stands for ultraviolet C. It’s a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 200 and 290 nanometres. Some air purifiers use UVC light to kill viruses and bacteria in the atmosphere. While they can be an effective infection prevention control, they are not wholly suited for all healthcare settings. They are incapable of trapping VOCs, and some models produce potentially harmful by-products, including ozone. Read our full guide to why HEPA filters are the best choice for healthcare settings.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds. An example of a hazardous and toxic air pollutant. Common sources of VOCs include combustion (such as smoking, heating, cooking and candle burning), petrol vapours, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
WEL
Workplace Exposure Limit. UK law regulates WELs for around 500 hazardous substances. These are legal limits of exposure, measured in concentrations of the hazardous substances in the air, averaged over a given timeframe. The law specifies both short- and long-term WELs. Read our full guide to WELs.
Want to Know More About Air Purifiers and Filters?
Read our full guide to how air purifiers work to explore which air filtration solution is best for you.
And if you have any questions about air purifiers or filters that are not covered by this guide, get in touch to talk to one of our friendly air quality consultants today.
Blueair is our range of air purifiers that can remove and kill 99% of viruses and bacteria while catching 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns. Browse our complete range of BlueAir purifiers.
