ISO 16890 standard for assessing air filter efficiency.

An international test standard

ISO 16890 is an international test standard for air filters. It categorizes them into several classes, according to their filtration efficiency.

ISO 16890 was introduced on July 1, 2018, replacing EN 779. This transition marked an important turning point in the assessment of the efficiency provided by air filters, in order to align with WHO recommendations on air pollution.

Today, this ISO 16890 standard creates a direct link between :

• Our filtration systems,
• Ambient air quality (indoors and outdoors),
• Our health.

PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 fine particles in the spotlight

In line with WHO recommendations on air pollution, ISO 16890 aims to better inform individuals about their protection against fine particles and the quality of the air they breathe.

Unlike EN 779, which used 0.4 micron particles to measure filter efficiency and classify them into categories ranging from M5 to F9, ISO 16890 focuses on filtration efficiency for different sizes of fine particles:

• PM1 (particles with a diameter less than or equal to 1 micron, known as “ultrafine particles” or “nanoparticles”, they pose the greatest health hazard, as they can cross the alveolar-capillary barrier, enter the lungs directly via the bloodstream and consequently spread to organs, including the brain),
• PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, resulting from polluting activities such as diesel engines, soot and the chemical transformation of gases into nitrates and sulfates),
• PM10 (particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers, resulting from road traffic, road wear and combustion).

It’s also worth noting that the scope of ISO 16890 focuses on filters used in general ventilation systems, for which you can call on Deltrian, whether for installation or maintenance.

ISO 16890 : Quatre catégories de filtres à air

La norme ISO 16890 divise les filtres à air en quatre groupes :

• ISO ePM1
• ISO ePM2.5
• ISO ePM10
• ISO Grossier

Pour être classé dans l’une de ces catégories, un filtre doit avoir une efficacité minimale de 50% contre la taille de particules visées. Par exemple, un filtre retenant plus de 50 % des particules PM1 sera classé comme filtre ISO ePM1.

Ensuite, la performance de ce filtre est affinée, avec une précision de 5% près. Par exemple, les filtres efficaces à 66 % pour les particules PM1 seront évalués en tant que ISO ePM1 65%.

À contrario, si un filtre retient moins de 50% des particules PM10, il sera catégorisé dans la classe ISO Grossier.

Bien évidemment, au plus un filtre est efficace contre les PM1, meilleure sera la qualité de l’air que nous respirons.

Chez Deltrian, nous vous proposons une large gamme de filtres à air, catégorisés dans chacune de ces classes d’efficacité, afin de pouvoir répondre à l’ensemble de vos besoins.

ISO 16890: Four categories of air filters

ISO 16890 divides air filters into four groups:

• ISO ePM1
• ISO ePM2.5
• ISO ePM10
• ISO Coarse

To be classified in one of these categories, a filter must have a minimum efficiency of 50% against the targeted particle size. For example, a filter retaining more than 50% of PM1 particles will be classified as an ISO ePM1 filter.

The filter’s performance is then refined to within 5%. For example, filters with 66% efficiency for PM1 particles will be rated as ISO ePM1 65%.

Conversely, if a filter retains less than 50% of PM10 particles, it will be categorized as ISO Coarse.

Obviously, the more effective a filter is against PM1, the better the quality of the air we breathe.

At Deltrian, we offer a wide range of air filters, categorized in each of these efficiency classes, to meet all your needs.

NW ES filter

Deltrian NW ES filter, categorized ePM1 70% ISO 16890

The filter stops more than 50% of PM1 particles. It is therefore ePM1 rated. The actual efficiency percentage is rounded down to the nearest 5% at 70% filtration. Filtration efficiency is therefore ePM1 70%.

Deltrian can therefore offer you different types of filter, depending on your needs and desired air quality.

A broader standard

That said, what is the difference between ISO 16890 and its predecessor, EN 779? ISO 16890 covers a wider range of particles, from 0.3 microns to 10 microns, to determine the different efficiencies in terms of PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 classes.

Previously, EN 779 used 0.4 micron particles to measure filter efficiency, which led to less precise categorization and did not give a sufficiently accurate indication of air quality.