All Thing You Need To Know About Air Filters Does Generally, an air filter is a mechanism created from fibrous materials the major function of which is to removes mold, dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air. As for the chemical air filter, it has an absorbent or catalyst used to remove different airborne molecular contaminants including volatile organic blends or ozone. Air filters may be used in places requiring good-quality air, mainly in ventilation systems and engines.