HEPA filters and nanomaterials
WorkSafeBC Evidence-Based Practice Group, Martin CW
Record ID 32018005361
English
Authors' objectives:
To determine whether there is any evidence that high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters may be able to replace ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters to effectively filter nanomaterials.
Authors' results and conclusions:
We presented our review by discussing nanomaterials, filtration efficiency followed by evidence on the effectiveness of HEPA and ULPA filters. This systematic review found some evidence on the efficacy/effectiveness of HEPA filter’s ability to remove nanomaterials. Although there was evidence that ULPA filters provide a better efficiency, HEPA filters showed efficiency of > 99.99%. The efficacy/effectiveness of HEPA filters in removing nanoparticles was also supported by Brownian diffusion phenomenon in filtering small size particles. Numerous local and international occupational health and safety organizations also recommend the use of HEPA filters as part of ventilation system in managing potential exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace.
Authors' methods:
We began our review by conducting a non-systematic search on PubMed, occupational health and safety organizations and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU OSHA) as well as some textbooks on occupational health in order to gain understanding on nanomaterials filtration issues in July 20, 2023. We were then conducting our systematic reviews on commercial medical literature databases and some non-commercial organizations and literature database associated with occupational health and safety.
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/research-services/evidence-based-medicine-and-systematic-reviews
Year Published:
2023
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Mini HTA
Country:
Canada
MeSH Terms
- Air Filters
- Nanoparticles
- Particulate Matter
- Air Pollution, Indoor
- Ventilation
Keywords
- HEPA
- ULPA
- nanomaterial
Contact
Organisation Name:
WorkSafeBC
Contact Address:
6591 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC, V7C 1C6 Canada. Tel: 604-231-8417; Fax: 604-279-7698
Contact Name:
ebpg@worksafebc.com
Contact Email:
ebpg@worksafebc.com
Copyright:
WorkSafe BC
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.