Work

Efficacy of Acid-Treated HEPA Filters for Dual Sequestration of Nicotine and Particulate Matter

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tobacco smoking and electronic cigarette (EC) use are associated with elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) and nicotine in indoor environments. This study assessed filtration and nicotine capture efficiency of untreated and citric acid-treated high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters from two manufacturers, “on-brand” (original) and “off-brand” (replacement). When challenged with salt aerosol, the filtration efficiency (FE) (Mean ± RSD) of original HEPA filters (99.9% ± 0.1) was significantly higher than replacements (94.4% ± 1.7), but both were significantly below the HEPA designation of 99.97%. No significant differences in FE were observed between treated and untreated HEPA filters. All filters had lower FE for EC aerosol compared to salt aerosol, especially among replacement filters. Nicotine capture efficiency was significantly higher in citric acid-treated HEPA filters for originals (99.4% ± 0.22) and replacements (99.0% ± 1.07) compared to untreated originals (57.4% ± 2.33) and replacements (42.0% ± 14.20). This study demonstrated that our citric acid treatment of HEPA filters was effective and efficient at capturing airborne nicotine and did not affect the FE for PM. Use of citric acid-treated HEPA filters would be an effective exposure reduction strategy for both nicotine and PM in indoor settings.

Source: Air

DOI: 10.3390/air3010008

Authors: Toluwanimi M. Oni, Changjie Cai, Evan L. Floyd

Institution: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Language: English

Topic: Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207