HEPA Filter
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionHEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. A true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. For context, fine wood dust is 1 to 10 microns and respirable silica dust (from concrete, brick, stone) is 0.1 to 10 microns. In tool contexts, HEPA filters show up in dust extractors (shop vacuums designed for power tool dust collection), standalone air filtration units, and some built-in tool dust collection systems. A regular shop vac filter captures large chips but lets fine dust blow straight through and back into the air. A HEPA-rated extractor captures the particles that actually damage your lungs.
Why It Matters
OSHA silica dust rules (Table 1) require dust control when cutting concrete, brick, or stone. Even for wood dust, the particles under 10 microns are the ones that cause long-term lung damage, and a standard shop vac doesn't catch them. A HEPA extractor connected to your sander or saw collects the dust that matters.