Are HEPA filters a scam?

Question

My new neighbor is a chain smoker, and I can smell it up here in my condo. My son has asthma. What will work to get rid of the smoke?

Answer 1

HEPA filters remove particles from the air. They are rated by microns, the smaller the number, the smaller the particles that the filter will allow through.

They are intended to trap dust, not smoke.

The ones used on protective masks are fine enough to filter out smoke (smoke is one of the things used for fit testing), but such a mask migh cause more trouble than it was worth.

Ask your doctor about it.

Answer 2

I was at the Allergist today, he recommened an air cleaner like the Whirlpool Whispure Air purifier. They cost from$ 179 to $299 depending on the size. You also have to buy the filters.Try
http://www.nationalallergy.com
for products.
There is also the Blueair but they are like $600 for the machine and the filters are expensive but they are supposed to take care of smoke.
http://www.blueair.com/products/501.html

Answer 3

Probably nothing will help. HEPA filters are of limited value in vacuum cleaners, and I know of none that filter out cigarette smoke as such.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/search.htm?query=HEPA+filters

Answer 4

HEPA is the best for pollen and dust as it captures particles but smoke will actually cause you to change hepa filters often as it will act like a cigarette filter