The news is full of stories about microplastics which have become one of the most concerning pollutants of our age. While they are generally associated with the ocean, you can also find microscopic plastic particles in soil, water, and unfortunately even in our food. But beyond that, they are also found in our indoor air.
Given that we spend the majority of our time indoors, whether that’s in the home or place of work, there is a growing awareness about what exactly we are breathing in at home or at work. The question, then, is what is the solution? Can air filters actually play a role in this by removing microplastics from indoor environments? If this is the case, just how effective are they?
Our experts at Daikin have been at the cutting edge of HVAC solutions since our company was founded in 1924 and today we have over 100,000 employees around the world who are committed to providing high-efficiency systems across residential, commercial, and industrial. In this article, we will look at the role of air filtration in improving indoor air quality, and their role in helping to remove microplastics and create a healthier indoor environment. So let’s get started.
Can air filters remove microplastics?
The short answer is yes. Certain air filters are able to remove airborne microplastics but it should be said that how effective they are very much depends on the type of filter used and its efficiency rating.
The kind of microplastics you find in indoor air are usually from a few microns to several hundred microns in size. What this means is that many of them are within the capture range of a high-efficiency air filtration system. So that’s good news. In fact, filters designed to trap fine particulate matter are often capable of capturing a substantial proportion of airborne microplastics.
However, it needs to be pointed out that not all filters are equally effective. If you get a very basic or low-grade filter you may find that smaller plastic particles are able to get through. As with all things HVAC, the more reputable company you go with, the higher quality the machine and the better the result. If you get the right filtration technology then you have a much higher chance of reducing fine and ultrafine particles. We will discuss exactly what you need later in this article.
What are microplastics and how do they get into indoor air?
Microplastics are plastic fragments that are less than five millimetres in size. They may start out as microplastics (including fibres shed from synthetic textiles) or they form due to larger plastic items degrading.
In our indoor environments, you will most likely find the source of microplastics to be synthetic clothing, carpets, upholstery, curtains, and household furnishings. This is part of the problem, as there are so many potential sources. Then it’s our everyday activities (walking, vacuuming, opening windows) which can disturb particles and release them into the air. One of the biggest carriers is household dust which can contain a mix of fibres and other fine debris.
The indoor problem also can start from what’s happening outdoors. Microplastics can come from traffic emissions, as well as from construction or industrial activity. They get into the home through ventilation systems or open windows and once inside the particles can accumulate.
Types of air filters and their effectiveness
Let’s look at the different kinds of air filters and the role each can play, or not play, in addressing airborne microplastics:
HEPA filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are generally seen as the gold standard when it comes to filtering out particles. Check your filter is certified HEPA, and if so it’s likely to be able to capture over 99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This is good news for those trying to remove airborne microplastics since many fall within or above this size range. You will find HEPA filters used in air purifiers, as well as in medical environments and advanced HVAC systems.
Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters are designed to remove gases, odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These kinds of filters are able to trap some larger particles but generally they’re not very effective against microplastics. The best solution is to combine them with a particulate filter like HEPA.
Standard HVAC filters: Basic HVAC filters will vary a lot in performance. Some are designed to protect equipment rather than improve air quality and may capture only larger dust particles. Higher-rated filters are more capable of trapping fine particulates, including a portion of airborne microplastics.
How HVAC systems can help reduce microplastics indoors
Given how central HVAC systems are to indoor air quality, they play a key role in managing indoor air quality. When equipped with high-quality filtration, HVAC systems can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne microplastics over time.
To do this, proper maintenance is critical and filters need to be replaced at recommended intervals to prevent clogging. If you neglect your system it can end up doing more bad than good, and actually redistribute trapped particles back into indoor air. In addition, maintaining airflow balance and good circulation are also very important as stagnant air allows microplastics to settle and accumulate.
To make sure you get the best possible results, you can pair your HVAC system with standalone air purifiers in areas that get a lot of use (bedrooms, living spaces, offices).
FAQs about air filters and microplastics
Are microplastics harmful when inhaled?
It’s early days in terms of research but the early studies that have been carried out do tend to suggest there are potential risks. These include inhalation which may cause respiratory problems particularly in older or more vulnerable people.
Do HEPA filters remove microplastics from the air?
Yes. The good news is that HEPA filters are effective at capturing airborne microplastics because they can trap very small particles. They are among the most reliable filtration options currently available for dealing with microplastics.
How often should air filters be replaced to stay effective?
How often you replace your filters depends on the type, how much they are used, and the indoor conditions. But as a general rule, HVAC filters should be checked every one to three months, while HEPA filters in air purifiers replaced every six to twelve months. It’s a good idea to carry out regular inspections to ensure peak performance.
About Daikin
Daikin is a global leader in advanced HVAC and air filtration solutions, with a long-standing commitment to improving indoor air quality. Daikin systems are engineered to capture fine airborne particles, including dust, allergens, and other microscopic pollutants that affect everyday comfort and health.
Through advanced filtration technologies, intelligent system design, and rigorous performance standards, Daikin helps create cleaner, healthier indoor environments across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. By focusing on both air purification and efficient climate control, Daikin solutions support long-term indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency and reliability.
