Air filtration probably isn't the most widely discussed subject around your home. However, most consumers are likely to be familiar with air filtration in some capacity. It's easy to understand why. Most people have changed an air filter for their furnace or vehicle, or maybe even a room air purification device. These small-scale air filtration processes help improve air quality on a local scale. However effective they may be in the home, industrial filtration processes affect global air quality.

Industrial air purification processes function very similarly to consumer-level filtration solutions. During manufacturing processes, biproducts like carbon monoxide, lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are released into the air. And when the air is saturated with potentially harmful contaminants, millions of people could suffer.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States released 66 million tons of pollutants into the air in 2023. While that number is significant and has a direct impact on global air quality, it is just a fraction of the estimated 36.6 billion tons produced globally. These pollutants produce smog, create a greenhouse effect, and threaten the health of living beings worldwide.

Many governmental agencies have established regulatory standards to ensure the monitoring of industrial pollutants. With accurate data on the type and volume of the pollutant, steps are introduced to reduce the environmental impact. Successful mitigation of industrial pollution depends on two major processes: identification and prevention.

Industrial filtration plays a key role in the identification of air pollutants. Air quality monitoring stations are installed in locations where high levels of pollution are likely to be found. These air monitors collect ambient air and draw it through a filtration system. The particles collected on the filtration media can tell scientists the exact makeup of particles found in that location. These particles act as a fingerprint to identify the type and potential sources of pollution.

If the pollution levels are above the limits set in that local area, the responsible entities must implement processes to remediate the hazard. Fortunately, many industries have already taken steps to avoid releasing contaminants into the air. These steps often include filtration processes that help to remove a substantial portion of the pollutants. However, if production processes change, companies may need to alter their filtration needs to remain compliant with environmental standards.

The journey toward cleaner air relies heavily on effective filtration processes that not only help identify pollutants but also mitigate their release into the atmosphere. As pollution continues to pose a substantial threat to global air quality and public health, ongoing advancements in air filtration technology and strict regulatory measures will be essential. By prioritizing air quality, we can work together to create a healthier environment for current and future generations.