Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a filter assembly having a filter housing and a filter medium disposed within and/or carried by the filter housing. The filter medium is configured to be exposed to an external environment and collect, filter, or otherwise remove aerosols (which may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or a combination thereof) from the external environment when coupled to an evacuation component, such as a dental high vacuum evacuation (HVE) line.