Indoor air has the potential to be full of contaminants – mold spores, bacteria, lead paint dust, and allergens – just to name a few. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the levels of these pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. With the power of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuuming, that can change! From commercial spaces to residential properties, Bactronix can help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) with the use of HEPA vacuuming. Here’s a look into what HEPA vacuuming is and how you can benefit from it.
How HEPA Filters Work
HEPA is an acronym for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.” This type of filter can trap a large number of very small particles that your household vacuum cleaner would otherwise recirculate back into the air.
HEPA filters offer high quality air purification and are highly effective in removing particles like pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and smoke. Unlike regular vacuum filters, true HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger using three different methods:
- Impaction: Large particles that can’t avoid the filter collide with it.
- Interception: Smaller particles follow the air stream through the filter and stick to one of the fibers.
- Diffusion: Gas molecules between the individual filter fibers block the smallest particles.
When Should You HEPA Vacuum?
In the average home, a non-HEPA vacuum can do the job. However, there are specific scenarios in which a home or business would benefit from being HEPA vacuumed by certified professionals.
- Someone in the home has severe allergies or a compromised immune system – A filter HEPA vacuum will remove more dust mites, dander and other allergens than a non-HEPA vacuum. A HEPA vacuum should not be your only tool against allergens. Air purifiers along with proper cleaning and disinfecting efforts are also important to maintain your IAQ.
- Lead dust removal – When removing lead paint from an older home, you may be exposed to toxic lead paint chips and lead dust. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), lead exposure can cause headaches, mood swings, vomiting – and in more serious cases – seizures and heart issues. This is why using a HEPA vacuum is a key part of the proper lead dust remediation procedure in your home.
- Mold remediation – Mold removal is done in stages and includes the cutting and removal of drywall, carpet, or other structural materials. During that process, contaminated particles will be dispersed into the air and can re-settle on surfaces. Damp wiping with BactroKill, an exclusive hospital-grade disinfectant from Bactronix, followed up by HEPA vacuuming is the best way to capture and remove harmful residual particles during the mold remediation process.
What do HEPA Filters Not Remove?
HEPA filters do not remove most viruses, mycotoxins, and VOCs as they are too small. Due to this, best practice is to combine HEPA vacuuming with treatment via an EPA registered antimicrobial product – such as BactroKill – to ensure removal of residual particles AND any viruses, mycotoxins, and VOCs.
Bactronix is your Certified HEPA Vacuuming Specialist!
Bactronix indoor air quality services are trusted by high-touch businesses like gyms, hotels, schools and restaurants. When HEPA vacuuming is combined with our EPA-registered surface disinfection products, companies can keep their employees and customers safe from bacteria, viruses and contaminants. To get started with an eco-responsible disinfection protocol, give us a call! We have disinfecting solutions for everyone.
