Ventilation filters and indoor air quality: a review of research from the International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy

The presence of a used filter in a ventilation system can have an adverse impact on perceived air quality, SBS symptoms, and performance of office work. The present paper reviews the studies leading to this conclusion and discusses recent work that has been performed in a search for the mechanisms involved.

One promising hypothesis involves chemical reactions on the surface of the collected particles in the formation of noxious compounds. Finally, a discussion on engineering solutions is presented. Loaded particle filters provide a significant source of air pollution. To counteract this, filters should be changed frequently or an alternative method of removing particles from the air should be applied.