It cleans up to 1,500 square feet based on a standard of 2 air changes per hour. A human hair is about 300 times too big to go through a HEPA filter. Activated carbon is the best known substance for removing gases and odors. The best source of activated carbon is a coconut shell. This is what is used in the Austin Air Cleaner.
Activated carbon is the most common element in military gas masks.
The Austin Air Cleaner uses a minimum of 13.5 pounds of coconut shell activated carbon and zeolite to remove odors and gases. The HEPA, activated carbon, and zeolite are combined into one large cartridge which weighs about 19 pounds. Natural zeolite is mined from the earth. It is a cream-colored mineral. Zeolite has exceptional abilities for capturing small molecules such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and sulfides.