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October 9, 2026
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With the arrival of the Covid 19 crisis, aspects of the health sector began to be put into the media that until then had gone unnoticed. This is the case of high-efficiency filters, in fact, everyone began to wonder what HEPA filters are as well as the regulations that regulated them; ISO 29463. We tell you everything you need to know about ISO 29463 and high-efficiency filters.
With the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) a greater need for cleaning and purification of the air was born in places where it was previously unthinkable. There are many spaces where ventilation is insufficient and therefore we need the HEPA filters, , High efficiency filters that act as air cleaners.
Let us place ourselves in 1998 to talk about the first regulations in force, the EN1822. This regulation established a HEPA filter classification system based on the filtration process and the MPPS evaluation criteria (particle size with the highest penetration level) among others.
It is in 2011 when the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) updates and publishes a new regulation with which we work today, ISO 29463. This new standard was born with the aim of accelerating the harmonization of the different filter standards already used in different countries.. There are two regulations that regulate absolute filters. It is convenient to clarify that a HEPA filter is an absolute filter, but not all absolute filters have to be HEPA; The European standard EN 1822 and ISO 29463. ISO 29463, which is later, maintained the classification of filters in three categories: EPA, HEPA and ulpa, as specified above standards but what are HEPA filters exactly?
Let’s talk about what are HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, and why interest in them has skyrocketed since the pandemic generated by COVID-19.
Initially designed for the military industry, HEPA high-efficiency air filters were created in 1950 by the Cambridge Filter Corporation. It is thanks to its high efficiency and filtering capacity, so we can find them in various sectors, from commercial aircraft cabins to the pharmaceutical industry and even in food, through operating rooms and clean rooms. These high-efficiency filters are capable of Reduce the spread of pathogens through the air, renewing it between 10 and 15 times an hour (in aircraft cabins)
These filters work like a fan, and have tiny fibers to which bacteria, which are harmful to health, remain attached to their passage. HEPA high-efficiency air particle filters are generally made up of tiny glass fibers, with a pore size of between 0.5 and 2 microns and arranged at random, they are capable of removing at least 99.95% of the particles. suspended in the air. Unlike other filters, HEPA filters are prepared to retain contaminants and smaller particles. They use three mechanisms to trap the different particles; Interception, impact and dissemination.
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The main function of high-efficiency filters is air purification, capturing particles such as smoke, bacteria, etc. However, There are several classifications according to the level of efficacy that they achieve in this task in accordance with the provisions of ISO 29463. Thus, high-efficiency filters are classified as follows:
EPA
High efficiency filters.
HEPA
Filters of very high efficiency, capable of raising their efficiency to 99.995% (H14).
ulpa
Ultra low penetration filters, more effective, but less common.
Fuente: Elaboración Propia
To know the incidence of the particles and thus be able to classify the filters according to their retention capacity, the MPPS particle count is carried out. being the size of these particles less than one thousandth of a millimeter. With this, it is possible to know if the high-efficiency filters correctly fulfill their function, they comply with the ISO 29463 standard and can be used safely.
Now you know everything you need about what are HEPA filters, high-efficiency filters in general and ISO 29463. Remember that, from Labsom we offer personalized advice on our products and which filter best suits your required hygiene needs.
Yes, high-efficiency air filters such as HEPA or the rest of the classifications that we have seen have to follow the requirements and characteristics marked by ISO 29463. Otherwise they cannot be used with due safety guarantees.
None of the types we have seen is better than the others, since each one fulfills its function. The choice will depend on the level of security that is necessary depending on the specific project that we are talking about, but if everyone complies with the regulations, they are all effective and suitable for their use.
An MPPS particle count is a test carried out to check if a filter works correctly and is based on the size of the particles that most easily pass through a filter. We are talking about situations in which guaranteeing air quality is very important, so ensuring that the filter we are using is essential for its use is essential.
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