Filter elements with changing devices and contamination protection, installed in waste tanks and serving to separate substances which are prejudicial to the health from the breathing or process air of ventilation systems used in nuclear installations, wherein a filtration plant comprises two series-arranged waste tanks within each series a coarse material filter and a fine material filter interconnected by a detachable cover constructed for air guidance purposes by means of a lockable, air-carrying pipe connecting piece and whose projecting central pipes closable by means of flaps for carrying the supply and spent air respectively are in each series fixed in stationary manner to a superimposed, inclined, juxtaposed air duct partitioned for dustladen and clear air respectively with lateral connections.