What role do HEPA filters primarily serve in air purification?

HEPA filters are specifically designed to trap particles and play a crucial role in air purification, primarily through particle filtration. The term "HEPA" stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, indicating that these filters can capture a significant percentage of airborne particles. They are capable of trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency rate of 99.97%, which includes dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens.

This capability makes HEPA filters particularly important in environments where air quality is essential, such as hospitals, laboratories, and homes of individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. They are not designed for odor removal, gas filtration, or moisture control; therefore, their primary function remains focused on removing particulate matter from the air stream effectively.