Protecting Buildings Against Anthrax

While high-grade filters can be very helpful in protecting against the spread of Anthrax spores through building ventilation systems, HEPA filters are the only kind of filters that offer a sure-fire way of eliminating these spores, according to an information bulletin put out by air filtration manufacturer Camfil Farr, El Segundo, Calif.

By Staff November 19, 2001

While high-grade filters can be very helpful in protecting against the spread of Anthrax spores through building ventilation systems, HEPA filters are the only kind of filters that offer a sure-fire way of eliminating these spores, according to an information bulletin put out by air filtration manufacturer Camfil Farr, El Segundo, Calif.

When utilizing HEPA filters for this purpose, the pamphlet stresses the importance of setting up the air distribution system to take outside air in through the filter and then filter the air back out through the leak paths in the building, thus creating a slight positive overpressure in the facility.

On the other hand, if the HEPA units are only being used to cleanse the recirculated air, this would provide little protection against Anthrax. Camfil Farr’s booklet also recommends increasing the number of air changes per hour when using other filters.

To download the free bulletin, log on to: www.camfilfarr.info .