Why are filters so important compared to other everyday products? I think it right up there with the package for the water you drink. All of the air your breathe is pushed straight through the filter. If there are any harmful chemicals in the filter, and they are off gassing, then I can only assume you are being exposed at a higher rate than say a toy in the projection that has the same chemicals.

Here are some areas of concern I have noticed over the years. I say concern, because I have not done any scientific studies to rate the effects of these products, but their discussion hopefully will lead to some studies.

* Adhesives

Different glues and adhesives are chosen with no consideration to their chemical composition. I can certify you that if you ask your filter supplier what is in their glue, they will say will not know other than it's sticky. These adhesives are chosen for their price, ability of adhesion, and drying time. There are several types of adhesives. Some are epoxy resins, others are hot melt adhesives, and some use cold glues with air dry and are vinyl based. Hot melt glues are highly beloved and are in almost every home ac filter out there today. We still do not know how this hot melt off gases when slightly moistened with the heat of the Hvac system. The Material security Data Sheets for the hot melt adhesives say to flush eyes with water and seek curative attention of exposed to vapors for a prolonged period of time. I wonder what small doses do to your home? Anyone?

* Medias

All medias are made from some form of artificial fiber and most use a resin or adhesive to hold the fibers together. Some medias that I prefer use a low melt process for the fibers to eliminate the need for resins, but almost all have resins. Newer pleated filters that do not have metal on the back of the media for preserve must use huge amounts of resin to make the media stiff. When I designed some medias for paint spray booths in the past, we evaluated these resins for their melting properties. There are only two chemicals I saw in the resins. Pvc or Poly Vinyl Chloride, and Evcl Ethyl Vinyl Chloride. Again, I can't say if these additives are good or bad for your system. But i know that they are not "friendly" chemicals, and with all of the heating and cooling in your air system, they should be evaualted for security before going to market.

* Filter frame

The filter frame is made from metal, plastic or paper. This is the component I am least implicated about. However, plastics are becoming increasingly beloved without regard to testing. In addition, most of the paper is treated with a moisture barricade in the fibers. These chemicals are considered proprietary from the paper mills.

* Antimicrobial Chemicals

Antimicrobial agents are added to filter medias to prevent the growth of mold. Many suppliers even market the product as "an Epa registered product". Well folks, Epa registered does not mean safe. They are registered with the Epa as pesticides! I don't use pesticides nearby my kids, and well would not spray roach killer in my air conditioner and then stay in the house all day. If we want to avoid bateria and mold, why not just change the filter more often? well folks, pesticides? Who are these guys? If you see an antimicrobial filter, run away. There are some metals that can be used such as silver ions, so technologies are improving.

* Air fresheners

Did you know that many air fresheners have Formaldehyde? If you see an air filter with a built in a air freshener or some type of scent, just walk away. They are not putting your security first. It's just an additional one marketing gimmick. I am sure you can find something safe like a scented oil to use in your principles if you well need one. Hopefully this report will cause some operation somewhere for action. A leader in our market is the green building council. Possibly some council our society like Ashrae can compose some type of security proper for chemical aggregate and self regulate our industry.