Micron

A micron, or micrometer, is a very small unit of measure equal to one-millionth of a meter. Airborne particles such as dust, smoke, dander, or bacteria are often a few microns or less and can only be captured by an indoor air cleaning system.

What is a micron?

A micron (or micrometer) is a very small unit of measurement, equal to one-millionth of a meter. In other words, one micron = 0.000001 meters (or 0.00004 inches). For comparison, the width of a human hair is about 70 microns, our eyes can see no smaller than 40 microns, and you’ll need a decent microscope to see smaller particles like dust, smoke, dander, or bacteria which are often a few microns or less. 

Health risks of microscopic particles

While your nose is good at filtering larger particles, microscopic particles are too small for you to detect. Inhaling these particles can be hazardous, as it causes inflammation in the lungs and respiratory tract. 

Particles that are on the order of microns in size can easily enter the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even asthma attacks. Furthermore, these tiny particles can carry allergens and other health-risking substances like viruses or bacteria, which can make you even more susceptible to disease or illness. 

Sources of microscopic particles

Microscopic particles can come from both inside and outside your home.  Inside your home, sources include dust, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke from cigarettes or wood-burning stoves. Outside your home, sources include pollen, vehicle exhaust, chemical compounds from industry, and wildfire smoke–which has become more pervasive in western states during recent summers.  

Filtering microscopic particles

These microscopic particles can only be captured by an indoor air cleaning system. The Trane CleanEffects™ Air Cleaner uses advanced filtration technology to capture up to 99.98% of airborne particles–making it one of the most powerful air cleaners available today. With regularly scheduled cleanings, you can feel confident knowing your home will be clean and clear of allergens and other irritants.