What does this website provide?

Published at the end of 2016, EN ISO 16890 standard has established an efficiency classification system of air filters for general ventilation based upon particulate matter (PM). This new classification introducing efficiency for various particle size ranges (ePM1, ePM2.5, ePM10) provides completely new, so far unavailable opportunities, for designing Indoor Air Quality.

To simplify the filter class selection procedure, but still consider all relevant factors, this selection tool introduces a method which matches the recommended filtration grade and efficiency with both the outdoor air and supply air category. The tool automatically refers to the DEFRA Ambient Air Quality Map and limit values recommended by WHO.

In this recommendation, 3 categories of outdoor air (ODA) and 5 categories of supply air (SUP) are defined in the same way as EN 16798-3.

As it is usually difficult to estimate indoor PM emissions, this configuration tool also indicates examples of typical filter applications assigned to the respective supply air category. The Filter Selection Configuration tool can provide the correct level of filtration suitable for everyday life in your typical HVAC application. It is meant for those who want to understand how filtration can be applied simply and effectively, to give the correct health benefits and highest level of filtration, project dependent.

Health effects can be expected when annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is in the range of 11-15 µg/m3. The purpose of this configurator is to improve health by increasing the level of filtration above where Particulate Matter can have a negative impact on human health. Every selection the configuration tool provides from SUP3 to SUP1, includes a pre filter of minimum ePM10 50% and secondary filter of ePM1 50%. This higher level of pre filter and secondary filter is now a staple for every AHU filter selection we make unless specifically defined by our client.

Air filters can also be used as final filters or pre-filters i.e., single stage filtration. When used as final filters, they are the primary filters for an HVAC system. From SUP3 to SUP1 every selection the configurator provides as a minimum includes a pre filter of ePM10 50% and secondary filter ePM1 50%. Final selection is obviously dependent on ODA and SUP rating. As recommended in ISO 16890, single stage filtration is applicable to ODA3 and SUP4 with a minimum efficiency of ePM10 90%. From this recommendation all of our units for areas ODA1 to ODA3 and, categories SUP4 and SUP5 will have single stage filtration with a rating of no less than ePM1 50%. . This minimum grade single stage filter also complies with Commission Regulation (EU) No 1253/2014.

It is important to recognise that in the non-domestic and healthcare setting these new standards are not concerned with airborne infection protection but relate to the “Breathable” air quality for all persons within a building.

What is IAQ?

Indoor Air Quality or IAQ is fast becoming more prevalent not just in the workplace but also at home. People spend on average up to 90% of their life indoors, at home, in offices, schools, restaurants, shopping malls or cinemas.

Air is made up partly of oxygen which we need to live. It also contains quantities of solid substances, aerosols and fine dust known as pollution. By removing this pollution from the air that travels into our lungs, leads to a positive effect on health. The more purified fresh air we breathe, brain power is improved and thinking becomes clearer. Thus, oxygenating our blood flow and energising the different organs and muscles in our body.

It is scientifically proven Physical & Mental Health and General Wellbeing is improved not just by good eating and routine exercise but also by the level of clean air we breathe naturally. Nowadays we are all thinking about the healthier food we eat, the more exercise we take, the cleaner air we breathe, the better we feel thus the longer we live!

What is the science that predetermines IAQ & its impact on health?

Without good filtration outdoor and indoor air pollutants can spread through a building, and they can be categorised in three different types: Chemical, Biological and Particulates.

Fine dust particulate matter includes solid organic and inorganic substances, and are found in the air we breathe, for instance: sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, carbon, mineral dust and water. The result is fine-particle dust, that can be a serious health risk and trigger for:

- Allergies and asthma
- Lung cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

We must acknowledge that 4.3 million deaths occur each year from exposure to household (indoor) air pollution and that 3.7 million deaths each year are attributable to ambient (outdoor) air pollution, at a high cost to societies.