ISO 16890 - test and documentation of filters
At Danfilter, we test and document our products in accordance with industry standards. The international standard ISO 16890 was introduced in 2017-2018, replacing the previous European standard EN779:2012. All filter classes have therefore been assigned new designations according to the ISO standard. However, the old designations have not disappeared and will still be found on Danfilter's products alongside the new ones.
Below, we provide you with an overview of ISO 16890 and EN779:2012. If you have any questions about our specifications or filter standards, feel free to contact our service team for technical advice.
ISO 16890 – New International Standard for Filter Testing
With ISO 16890, we now have a new method for testing and documenting our filters. Under the old standard EN779:2012, all filters were tested with particles of the same size, 4 µm. Back then, a particle count before and after the test determined the filter's efficiency.
The new standard, ISO 16890, allows us to test filters with three different particle sizes: 10 µm, 2.5 µm, and 1.0 µm. With ISO 16890, the focus is on optimizing filtration efficiency for various particle sizes. As a result, you get a better-documented filter compared to the previous standard, EN779:2012.
| Designation | EN779:2012 | ISO 16890 |
| Standard Filter | G4 or M5 | ePM 10 >50% |
| Pollen Filter | F7 | ePM 2,5 65-80% / ePM 1,0 50-65% |
| SafeAir Filter | F9 or higher | ePM 2,5 >95% / ePM 1,0 >80% |
ISO 16890 – New International Standard for Filter Testing
With ISO 16890, we now have a new method for testing and documenting our filters. Under the old standard EN779:2012, all filters were tested with particles of the same size, 4 µm. Back then, a particle count before and after the test determined the filter's efficiency.
The new standard, ISO 16890, allows us to test filters with three different particle sizes: 10 µm, 2.5 µm, and 1.0 µm. With ISO 16890, the focus is on optimizing filtration efficiency for various particle sizes. As a result, you get a better-documented filter compared to the previous standard, EN779:2012.
| Designation | EN779:2012 | ISO 16890 |
| Standard Filter | G4 or M5 | ePM 10 >50% |
| Pollen Filter | F7 | ePM 2,5 65-80% / ePM 1,0 50-65% |
| SafeAir Filter | F9 or higher | ePM 2,5 >95% / ePM 1,0 >80% |
Advantages of testing filters according to the new ISO 16890 standard
It is a significant advantage that there is now only one international filter standard. It has become simpler to compare and purchase the right filters. Additionally, the new standard categorizes filters into multiple classes and provides names that indicate how effective the filters are at removing specific particles from the air. This is also a huge benefit, as research shows that harmful particles in indoor air can be detrimental to our health.
Naming of ISO 16890 Filter Classes
The new ISO 16890 filter classes are named according to the particle size they are tested with, followed by a percentage.
For example, a filter might be called ePM 2.5 65%. Here, 2.5 refers to the particle size the filter is tested with, and the percentage indicates how many percent of particles the filter captures at this size. The same filter tested with a different particle size could thus be called ePM 1.0 55%.
To provide an overview of how EN779:2012 translates to ISO 16890, we have created the table below.
Naming of ISO 16890 Filter Classes
The new ISO 16890 filter classes are named according to the particle size they are tested with, followed by a percentage.
For example, a filter might be called ePM 2.5 65%. Here, 2.5 refers to the particle size the filter is tested with, and the percentage indicates how many percent of particles the filter captures at this size. The same filter tested with a different particle size could thus be called ePM 1.0 55%.
To provide an overview of how EN779:2012 translates to ISO 16890, we have created the table below.
ISO 16890 vs. EN779:2012
The major difference between ISO 16890 and EN779:2012 is that filters tested under the EN779:2012 standard are only tested against one particle size – 4 µm. However, since particles in the air vary in size and shape, this test does not provide a complete picture of what a filter encounters in reality.
In contrast, when an ISO 16890 filter is tested, the focus is on capturing various particle sizes in the filter. Testing is conducted with different sizes ranging from 10 µm down to 0.3 µm. The tests performed today are much more realistic, providing assurance that the filter you purchase functions as expected and filters out harmful particles. With ISO 16890, there is no question about the quality, and you are ensured that the filters meet international standards for testing and quality.
What are particles and why can they be dangerous?
In simple terms, particles are tiny substances that swirl around in our air. Some of them are naturally occurring, while others come from pollution. Areas with heavy traffic, industry, and/or wood-burning stoves are more susceptible.
Particles can be broadly categorized into 4 groups:
Coarse particles: Particle size over 10 µm (ePM 10): Dust and dirt.
Intermediate particles: Particle size from 2.5 - 10 µm (ePM 2.5 – ePM 10): Mechanical road dust, tire wear, construction dust and natural sources like soil dust and pollen.
Fine particles: Particle size from 1 - 2.5 µm (ePM 1 – ePM 2.5): Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from engines and, for example, power plants, as well as mold spores.
Ultrafine particles: Particle size under 0.1 µm (PM 0.1): Soot particles from, for example, wood-burning stoves.
Why are particles harmful to health?
It is estimated that over 4,000 Danes die annually as a consequence of air pollution. Particle pollution can therefore have serious consequences for health.
However, the effect of particle pollution is somewhat complex. It all depends on the size and shape of the particles, as there is a difference in whether we inhale the particles and where they deposit in our respiratory system.
Researchers have proven that the fine particles, those smaller than 2.5 µm, are the most dangerous. Coarser particles (over 2.5 µm) are captured by the body's own defense mechanisms, such as in the nose.
However, fine particles can penetrate these defense mechanisms and settle in the airways. When fine and ultrafine particles accumulate in the airways, it can lead to the exacerbation of asthma, other respiratory diseases, and, in the worst cases, cancer. If particles enter the bloodstream from the lungs, they can also settle in the blood vessels, contributing to atherosclerosis and blood clots.
The various types of filters in the assortment
Standard Filter – G4, a coarse filter that captures 75% of coarse particles.
Pollen Filter – F7, a fine filter that, in addition to coarse particles, captures 55% of fine particles under 1.0 µm and 77% of fine particles between 1.0 and 2.5 µm.
SafeAir Filter – F9, a fine filter that captures 85% of fine particles under 1.0 µm and all particles above that size.
Carbon Filter – activated carbon which eliminates odor issues. The filter itself does not provide particle filtration and should be used in combination with a particle filter.
SafeAir Plus Filter – F9 filter combined with a carbon filter.
In this chart, you have an overview of the various filter types and the percentage of different particle sizes they filter out.
The various types of filters in the assortment
Standard Filter – G4, a coarse filter that captures 75% of coarse particles.
Pollen Filter – F7, a fine filter that, in addition to coarse particles, captures 55% of fine particles under 1.0 µm and 77% of fine particles between 1.0 and 2.5 µm.
SafeAir Filter – F9, a fine filter that captures 85% of fine particles under 1.0 µm and all particles above that size.
Carbon Filter – activated carbon which eliminates odor issues. The filter itself does not provide particle filtration and should be used in combination with a particle filter.
SafeAir Plus Filter – F9 filter combined with a carbon filter.
In this chart, you have an overview of the various filter types and the percentage of different particle sizes they filter out.
Have the filters become more expensive with ISO 16890?
Filters tested according to ISO 16890 do not incur additional costs when you purchase from Danfilter. It is our responsibility to test and document our products, and Danfilter's internal production has been reconfigured to comply with the current requirements for ISO 16890. The suppliers we use also manufacture in accordance with ISO 16890. When you shop with us, you are guaranteed filters of high quality that have been tested according to international standards.
Our filters are clearly marked with both EN779:2012 and ISO 16890, making the transition easier.
If you have further questions about our specifications or filter standards, feel free to contact our Customer Service.