Infection control


ventilation remediation or reconstruction projects would, while being a more cost- effective method by targeting air quality directly. This move is supported by research


from the likes of New York University and the University of Manchester, which cite clean air technology as a scientifically proven way to reduce indoor air pollution in order to meet World Health Organisation standards, improving physical and cognitive health. However, the lack of regulation on


air filtration systems in the UK means it can be difficult to differentiate between products. In addition, consumer transparency is low, making the process of investing in such technology complicated and confusing. Many air filtration systems that claim


to eradicate viruses and pollutants are only able to do so after air has passed through the device multiple times. By drawing air and then pushing it back into the breathing zone without completely eradicating viruses, these ‘clean air’ devices essentially re-circulate dirty and toxic air, significantly increasing the risk of cross-contamination. When investing in clean air technology, it is crucial to ensure the air filtration


device is designed specifically to eliminate airborne viruses, bacteria, mould and fungi in one single air pass.


How air decontamination technology works Air sterilisation and purification technology that guarantees eradication rates in a first single air pass uniquely works by using a three-step combined solution. First, the technology controls the


airflow in a room by pulling contaminated air from the breathing space towards the floor of the room and into the unit – this is a crucial step in ensuring all pathogens are eliminated in a first single air pass. Secondly, contaminated air is, within


the unit, purified via a set of three mechanical filters: a pre-filter, a carbon filter and a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Dirty particles are trapped in these


filters, and smaller particles then go through a chamber reactor, featuring multiple ultraviolet-C lights, that eliminates all pathogens including viruses in the single air pass. Thirdly, the unit then sends the sterilised


air back into all corners of the room, which in turn pushes contaminated air towards


Poor indoor air quality, even at low levels, has a detrimental effect on respiratory health in older people living in care homes, with frailty increasing with age


April 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


the ground, repeating the cycle. Air filtration systems that adhere to the


steps above are therefore able to create a completely sterilised environment, giving real-time protection to everyone in the room. Tests carried out by two South


Korean universities - Kangwon National University and Sungkyunkwan University – in conjunction with the Korea Testing Laboratory found air sterilisation and purification technology that adheres to the steps above eliminates 99.9999 per cent of bacteria, fungi and viruses from the air, as well as removing hazardous gases. That finding is supported by a body


of ongoing research that shows that air sterilisation and purification technology is effective in killing coronavirus as well as other respiratory pathogens. More recently, a 2020 test conducted in a Canadian EPA-registered laboratory found a 99.81 per cent reduction in surface contamination following the use of this form of air steriliser. By achieving these results in a single


air pass, this technology is of particular importance during the coronavirus pandemic, especially for health and social care providers whose clientele fall into the most vulnerable categories. However, this technology also benefits the respiratory, cognitive and general health of those who utilise it in the long term, by extracting pathogens and pollution from the air while sterilising surfaces.


History and current uses Air sterilisation technology that kills airborne viruses in a single air pass


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