In the 1940s, the Manhattan Project was generating airborne radioactive dust that needed to be removed so as not to endanger the scientists working the first nuclear bomb. The US government developed a material that was capable of removing very small airborne particles packaged as a HEPA filter. Years later in the 1950s, the HEPA filter was commercialized and made available to the public. Todays these filters have continued to improve and can be labeled HEPA, if capable of removing at least 99.97% of airborne particles of .3 micrometers in diameter, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Dust and other airborne matter found in clouds and pushed around by the wind can carry radioactive particles. Naturally occurring processes and manmade sources can generate airborne particles that can ultimately be dangerously radioactive. Health can be endangered from radon gases, nuclear reactor particles being emitted into the air or damaged nuclear facilities created by disasters. Radon is a natural occurring decaying matter emission that is a radioactive. When airborne, radon can attach to dust and other particles. When this occurs at high concentration levels within a home , often in a basement, this space should be remediated by exhausting the contaminated air to the outside. As an extra precaution, air purifiers that have a medical grade HEPA filter meeting the DOE standards should be used to remove any residual radioactive particulates.
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is an example of a manmade facility being destroyed as a result of a natural disaster. An earthquake and tsunami severely damaged an electrical generating facility and ever since, steam carrying heavy concentrations of radioactive particulates have been released in the air. People near the site are wearing protection to prevent skin contact and face masks preventing the inhaling of contaminated particles. Most other Japanese have been asked by the Japanese government to remain in their homes until the air clears and requests that the home’s doors and windows remain closed. Contaminants within the home could remain high which is why a high quality HEPA filter should be used for removing trapped contaminates and new contaminates that may enter through cracks and leaks.
The HEPA filter was developed many years ago to protect scientists from radiation exposure found in airborne dust. Modern high quality air purifiers that contain medical grade HEPA filters are as effective as or better than filters from the 1940s at removing the extremely small invading radioactive dust. These same air purifiers can maintain a healthy fresh air environment in your home while also protecting you from future naturally occurring and manmade radiation.
