What type of air filter should be used in a clean room environment?

In a clean room environment, HEPA filters are essential because they are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size. This level of filtration is crucial in applications where contamination control is vital, such as in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and semiconductor manufacturing. The high efficiency of HEPA filters ensures that even the smallest particulates, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and certain bacteria, are effectively captured, maintaining the cleanliness and sterility required in such controlled environments.

While other types of filters like carbon filters are used for removing odors and gases, panel filters primarily serve to protect HVAC systems and provide some level of particulate filtration, they do not meet the stringent requirements for air purity in clean rooms. Similarly, electrostatic filters can trap some particulates using static electricity but do not provide the same level of efficiency and reliability as HEPA filters in critical environments. Thus, the best choice for ensuring a clean and contaminant-free atmosphere in clean rooms is the use of HEPA filters.