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: A novel air filter comprises a frame having at least a perimeter portion and a generally open central area. An air filtering member of decomposable organic fibrous material is securely retained by the frame across the generally open central area, to thereby permit filtering of air passing through the generally open central area. The frame member may also be constructed from a decomposable organic fibrous material or from a decomposable plastics material.