Which characteristic is NOT associated with HEPA filters?

HEPA filters are specifically designed to capture a high percentage of airborne particles, leading to their recognition for excellent performance in various applications, including those aimed at allergy prevention. They have a particle capture capability of at least 99.97% for particles that are 0.3 microns in size.

The characteristic indicating "low efficiency for small particles" is not true for HEPA filters; instead, these filters are particularly effective at capturing small particles, which includes allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. This capability makes them an essential part of allergy prevention approaches in homes and healthcare settings.

In terms of airflow resistance, HEPA filters can exhibit higher resistance relative to other types of filters, making their airflow characteristics more closely aligned with higher resistance rather than medium. Thus, while HEPA filters are known for their high efficiency and benefits in allergy management, the notion that they have low efficiency for small particles directly contradicts their primary design purpose.