Abstract: In a system and method of testing for airborne pathogens, toxins, pollutants and contaminants, a filter facility supplies a user with a filter member for use in an air handling unit. At the end of its service life, the filter member is removed from the unit, and sealed within a bag. The bag is packed in a shipping box supplied by, and returned to, the filter facility. Thereafter, one or more samples may be taken from the filter member, and the one or more samples may be tested for a wide array of pathogens, toxins, pollutants and/or contaminants. The test results are thereafter reported to the user. A refurbished/recycled filter member may optionally be supplied to the user for subsequent testing.

Abstract: Amongst other things, there is provided an air filter that is for use in a duct having one or more walls. The air filter comprises a peripheral frame that includes a substantially resilient and compressible casing, and a substantially rigid internal skeleton within the casing. The air filter also comprises a filter element attached about its entire perimeter in sealed relation to the casing of the peripheral frame. The filter element is adapted to remove contaminants from air passing through the duct. When the air filter is in use, it is positioned in the duct such that the casing of the peripheral frame is compressed against the walls of the duct in substantially air-sealed relation therewith.

Abstract: Amongst other things, an air filter apparatus is provided having a filter element and a frame defining a first axis and having a plurality of rails connected to one another for supporting the filter element in removably surrounded relation between the rails. The filter element is convertible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, and spans the length of said first axis in the extended configuration. The filter element is adapted to releasably engage two or more of the rails, thereby to selectively retain the filter element in the extended configuration thereof, and so as to place the air filter apparatus in an operative configuration thereof.