Understanding Carbon Filtration's Role in IAQ
With the increasing frequency of wildfires and the constant presence of other outdoor and indoor emissions, maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ) has become more important than ever. Carbon air filtration offers a practical solution by utilizing activated carbon in air filters to capture harmful gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors associated with smoke and fumes. Integrating carbon filters into a building’s air purification system can significantly reduce exposure to these contaminants, creating a healthier and more breathable environment. In this blog post we will take a closer look at the benefits of using carbon filtration in areas dealing with wildfire smoke and everyday emissions, and how ATL Filtration™ can help your facility breathe easy.
How Carbon Filters Work
Carbon filters work using adsorption — meaning pollutants adhere to the filter's surface — to trap particles from the air. The porous nature of the activated carbon used in these filters is particularly effective for adsorption due to its increased surface area. This allows for more contaminants to attach to the filter as air flows through it. The use of activated carbon also makes these filters more efficient for odor reduction, capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and for helping to maintain a continuous airflow through the building’s air filtration system.
Specific Applications for Wildfire Smoke and VOCs
In areas dealing with wildfire disasters, the adsorption properties of carbon filters can help reduce levels of smoke, VOCs, and odors indoors. Smoke consists of a complex mixture of gases and fine particulate matter making it easy to inhale and potentially very dangerous. Smoke inhalation can have a significant impact on both respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Carbon filters can help neutralize odors and gases in commercial and industrial buildings. Machinery running indoors in production and warehouse environments, exhaust fumes drawn or seeping in from out of doors, off-gassing from carpets, furniture, and building materials, paints, cleaning supplies, and other gaseous pollutants are some possible sources of odors, gases, and VOCs in these settings. Carbon filters can also trap larger airborne particles like dust, lint, and pet hair. When used as a first-stage filter they assist in keeping these contaminants from flowing downstream and clogging the air filtration system’s other filters, supporting both their efficiency and lifespan.
Maintaining Filter Effectiveness
The efficiency of carbon filters diminishes over time as their pores become saturated with pollutants. Regular replacement is essential to ensure optimal performance. The frequency of replacement depends on factors such as the quality of the filter, the extent of use, and the level of pollutants in the environment. In heavily polluted environments, such as those frequently affected by wildfires or dealing with high levels of emissions, more frequent changes are necessary. Most filters should be replaced every three to six months.
How We Can Help
The NAFA® certified air filter specialists (CAFS) at ATL Filtration™ are dedicated to optimizing indoor air filtration systems. We provide comprehensive, tailored air filtration services and solutions for commercial and industrial buildings, including the use of gas phase filters for carbon filtration where beneficial, and a filter changeout program to ensure your filters and system are always running at their best.
In Conclusion
Carbon filtration is a versatile and effective method for improving air quality by removing smoke, odors, gases, and particulate matter. It is especially useful in situations where wildfire smoke, VOCS, and emissions and other fumes are a concern.
Through using carbon air filtration to reduce odors and capture particles associated with smoke and other fumes, commercial and industrial environments can experience improved IAQ, resulting in healthier and more comfortable indoor settings. Our Aire Guardians are on hand to assess your facility’s air filtration system and specific needs, and provide you the best custom solutions.
Contact ATL Filtration™ today to learn more about how our Aire Guardians can help improve your building’s IAQ and have you breathing easier.