In a modern office building in Stuttgart, HVAC engineers have data from the local air quality monitoring station spread out on their workbenches—displaying real-time concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. They are relying on ISO 16890, the international testing standard that replaced EN 779 in 2018.
Trenntech believes this new standard has fundamentally changed how we evaluate and select air filters. It no longer views filters as isolated industrial components but directly links their performance to outdoor air pollution, indoor environmental requirements, and ultimately, human respiratory health. It marks a paradigm shift: the goal of air filtration has shifted from “protecting equipment” to “protecting people.”
Why is ISO 16890 needed?
To understand the revolutionary nature of ISO 16890, we must first look at what it replaces. Before its introduction, Europe and many other regions used the EN 779:2012 standard to classify general ventilation filters (e.g., G1 to F9 levels). However, this system, born decades ago, has increasingly revealed its limitations.
The core problem lies in its unrealistic testing methods:
Single particle size testing: EN 779 primarily uses 0.4-micron (µm) laboratory-synthesized dust to assess efficiency. However, the morphology, size, and sources of particulate matter (PM) in the real atmosphere vary greatly, and this single particle size test cannot comprehensively reflect the filter’s performance in real-world environments.
Disconnect from health: EN 779 levels (e.g., F7) do not intuitively tell users how much of the most harmful fine particulate matter (such as PM2.5) the filter can actually filter. Choosing a filter is like groping in the dark.
ISO 16890 was created precisely to bridge this gap. It aligns filter testing with the same particulate matter parameters—PM1, PM2.5, and PM10—used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national environmental agencies to assess air quality.
How to understand the ISO 16890 classification?
ISO 16890 establishes a new classification system centered on “efficiency,” which is simple and intuitive.
- 1. ISO Coarse: Filtration efficiency for PM10 < 50%. Primarily used to remove hair, large dust particles, etc.
- 2. ISO ePM10: Filtration efficiency for PM10 ≥ 50%. Effectively removes pollen, mold spores, etc.
- 3. ISO ePM2.5: Filtration efficiency for PM2.5 ≥ 50%. Captures most bacteria, cooking fumes, and some virus carriers.
- 4. ISO ePM1: Filtration efficiency for PM1 ≥ 50%. This is a critical health protection group, targeting the most dangerous ultrafine particles.
New Naming and Efficiency Values
Within the group, ISO 16890 uses a more precise naming system. A filter will not simply be called “ePM1 class,” but will be labeled “ePM1 80%” or “ePM2.5 95%.” The percentage is the average efficiency rounded down to the nearest 5%. For example, a filter with a measured efficiency of 78% for PM1 will have an official class of ePM1 75%.
Why is PM1 so important?
Of the three particle size groups classified by ISO 16890, PM1 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 micrometer) is at the core of the concern. Studies show that to effectively filter harmful particles in outdoor air, air filters need to achieve at least an ePM1 efficiency of 60%.
This is because PM1 particles pose the greatest threat to human health:
- Penetration Defense: While the nasal cavity and respiratory tract can block most larger particles, PM1 particles can easily penetrate these physical barriers.
- Deeply Penetrating the Body: Once inhaled, PM1 particles can penetrate deep into the alveoli and even cross the alveolar walls to enter the bloodstream and be transported throughout the body.
- Health Hazards: Long-term exposure to PM1 is closely linked to an increased risk of serious diseases such as asthma, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
Therefore, ISO 16890, by emphasizing PM1 efficiency, directly links filter performance indicators to the core mission of protecting human health. Choosing a filter with high ePM1 efficiency is an investment in the long-term health of building users.
The widespread adoption of ISO 16890 is driving the entire industry towards a more responsible and data-driven direction. Looking ahead, we may see: deep integration of ISO 16890 with smart buildings, further harmonization of global standards, and the continued manifestation of health value. ISO 16890 has reshaped how people view air. It is no longer an obscure industrial standard, but a clear health commitment, ensuring that every breath we take is protected by modern technology in a robust and rational way.