How small is a micron and why does it matter?One micron is 1/25,000
of an inch. To understand just how small this is, consider that human hairs
measure between 30 and 120 microns. Dust mite allergen measures from .1 to .3
micron and staphylococcus bacteria measures .7 micron. The size of a given
particle helps to determine the degree of potential threat to human health.
Particles ranging from .3 to .9 micron present the greatest health concern.
These irritating mid-range particles include house and textile dust, pollen, pet
dander, dust mites and their feces, many bacteria, auto exhaust, mold spores,
and particles from laser printers and copiers. Particles in this size range (.3
to .9 micron) are small enough to get past the tiny hairs that line our
breathing passages and too large to be easily exhaled.
Because mid-range particles are more likely to become lodged in lung tissue,
they are suspect in a wide range of health problems related to indoor air
pollution, from headaches and dizziness to cardiovascular disease and cancer. In
particular, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and dust mite particles are known to
trigger asthma episodes and allergy attacks.
While smaller particles (.1 to .3 micron) can be inhaled and exhaled more easily
than mid-range particles, even these minute particles may irritate breathing
passages and lungs. Smaller particle filtration is particularly beneficial to
people living with allergies, asthma, other respiratory conditions, or
cardiovascular disease.
Blueair's patented HEPASilent™ filter technology is proven effective at
capturing 99.97% of the tiniest .1 micron particles. This same filter technology
earned the Blueair 501 Best of Class ranking in independent testing of
Clean Air
Delivery Rate (CADR), a measure of overall system performance. When optimum
filter capability is the priority, Blueair is clearly the system of choice.
Resources:
Air
Purifier Calculator
Air Purifier Buying Guide |