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Modern-day infection control


Dr David Glover, co-founder & technical director of Plasma Clean, discusses the modern-day innovations for indoor air quality (IAQ) and infection control


A


ir quality sensors are a key way businesses can understand the quality of indoor air in their workplace, meaning action can be


taken to protect the health and wellbeing of their building’s occupants. These air quality sensors have been particularly


vital for the education sector, with research revealing that 41% of British schools contain air pollution levels higher than the World Health Organisation deems acceptable. Poor air quality has been linked to an increase in headaches and respiratory issues, and can impact cognitive performance, such as causing a lack of focus and even drowsiness. The findings from the study on the impact of


poorly ventilated classrooms prompted the UK government into action with the introduction of a £25m initiative to issue 300,000 CO2 monitors to educational facilities.


Optimising systems


Around 90% of our time is spent indoors. Whether it’s in an educational facility, office building, or a hospitality venue, a building’s air quality has a real impact on our health. Poor ventilation can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide, humidity and inadequate temperature control, as well as airborne pollutants, odour and the spread of infection. The consequences include employee sickness, which costs UK businesses around £77 billion in lost productivity each year. One such example is the build-up of microbes and biofilms on heat exchange coils within a building’s ventilation system. This means dust gets trapped, causing heat exchange inefficiency and higher running costs. Manual cleaning is an option, but puts the coil at risk of damage. However, a modern innovation involves UVC technology to not only kill microbial growth, but


nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) to prevent the replication and growth of harmful micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, spores, moulds, yeast and fungi. Whilst not a modern innovation, Upper Room


UVGI, which destroys viruses, bacteria and mould circulating around a space has proven longevity within this area by offering continuous, safe disinfection of harmful microbes and is even proven against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.


Dr David Glover, co-founder of Plasma Clean


also to maintain optimum heat transfer across the coil surface and maximise energy efficiency. For businesses, this means a reduction in the transmission of airborne infection and odours throughout the building, reducing the potential for sickness, increasing both employee wellbeing and productivity.


Modern innovations


Controlling airborne and surface infections has never been more important. While we hear alarming figures about the impact of the flu virus every year, the coronavirus pandemic has shone even more attention to the importance of infection control. Without an effective measure in place, infection


can spread and wreak havoc. However, there are modern innovations that make it possible to quickly and safely disinfect key areas, inactivate the spread of airborne viruses, keep people safe and remain open for business. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is well-


known for its germ-zapping properties across water and surface treatment. It works by cross-linking the


High-intensity germicidal lamps can also be used, particularly in smaller spaces, to clear airborne microbes, including viruses, bacteria, spores and mould. These lamps can be retro-fitted into building ventilation systems or as a standalone installation and provide 24/7 disinfection. They also require virtually no maintenance, meaning a reduction in cost for chemical cleaners, as well as providing clean air if fitted into a mechanical ventilation system. Portable versions of these lamps are often used throughout healthcare and hotels to disinfect the air surfaces in rooms between uses. At Plasma Clean, all of our products have been independently tested, are certified to inactivate harmful microbes, and can help organisations achieve a happier and healthier environment. Plasma Clean recently partnered with global technology company, Airthings, to deliver life- changing technology by utilising the firm’s air quality sensors to monitor CO2, temperature, humidity, radon, VOCs, pressure, light and virus risk – all in real time. The results are then used to inform the correct solutions needed to neutralise the bacteria and virus cells in the air, and ensure continuous disinfection. Our solutions make it possible for educational institutions, healthcare settings, hospitality and offices to quickly and safely disinfect key areas to prevent, control and inactivate the spread of airborne viruses, remain open and keep people safe.


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Indoor air quality


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