A filter media is provided. The filter media has a blend of filter media fibers, including oxidized polyacrylonitrile (OPAN) fibers and fibers of at least one other polymer, such that the OPAN fibers comprise between 30% and 95% by weight of the blend. A filter element incorporating the filter media is also provided. A method of using the filter element is provided as well. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the filter media. The filter media has applicability for filtering air in such acidic environments as a cement factory, lime kiln, asphalt process, rock dust application, and coal fired boilers.