Filter and method for removing mercury, bacteria, pathogens and other vapors from gas

A filter for removing mercury and other vapors from air passed therethrough, comprising:

• at least one container having a plurality of cells, each cell having an inlet and an outlet oriented substantially in the direction of the flow of air passed therethrough, said cells being filled from about 30% to about 90% of the cell volume with disintegration-resistant activated carbon pellets having a high surface area, thereby permitting swirling of the pellets within the cells as air passes therethrough;
• a pre-filter made of a fibrous material located upstream from the container, said pre-filter being impregnated with activated carbon, and said pre-filter being adapted for removal of particulate material from air passing therethrough;
• a post-filter located downstream from the container, said post-filter made of fibrous material being impregnated with activated carbon, and said post-filter being adapted for removal of particulate material from air passing therethrough;
• and
• said filter for removing mercury being sized to fit standard heating ventilation and air conditioning systems.