Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

What is one limitation of HEPA filters?

1. Remove particulate

2. Manage heat stress

3. Efficiently filter out particles less than 0.3 microns in size

4. Manage high spore loads

The correct answer is: Manage heat stress

One limitation of HEPA filters is that they do not manage heat stress. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are designed primarily for removing particulate matter from the air, particularly particles that are 0.3 microns and larger, which includes allergens, dust, and certain pathogens. While HEPA filters excel at particulate filtration and can handle a broad range of particle sizes, they do not have any capability to manage temperature or humidity levels in the air. This means that while HEPA filters may help improve air quality by removing harmful particles, they do not address issues related to thermal comfort or heat-related health risks, which can be crucial in indoor environments. In contrast, other options pertain to the essential functions of HEPA filters, such as their effectiveness in removing particulates, including those less than 0.3 microns, even though their efficiency is specifically rated at this size. They are not designed for handling spore loads but excel in filtering out microbial particles; however, they can become less effective if overloaded. Thus, managing heat stress is an aspect that HEPA filters are not equipped to address.