In the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study has shown how air purification systems are set to play a vital role.
The new US study demonstrated a 99.9 per cent reduction of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in the air and on surfaces can be achieved within occupied spaces.
An independent third-party study undertaken by Innovative Bioanalysis Laboratories in Cypress, California, USA, focused on the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using RGF Environmental Group’s proprietary REME HALO air purification device with PHI-Cell technology.
With the REME Halo operating, the test procedure released the SARS-CoV-2 virus inside a large chamber representing a real-world air-conditioned office or home, with the virus nebulised into the space simulating a sneeze or cough from an infected person.
The Bioanalysis Laboratories study showed a 99.9 per cent reduction of the virus within the simulated real-world space with the REME HALO active air purification system significantly neutralising SARS-CoV-2 and reducing the risk of person-to-person infection by respiratory particles and aerosols.
John Brodie, head of Airius, said the PHI-Cell technology is an active system that neutralises virus particles and pathogens as opposed to passive systems such as air-conditioning that rely on the particles passing through a filter or similar.
“The PHI-Cell works by emitting minute amounts of ionised hydrogen peroxide to clean and purify the air of bacteria and viruses,” he said.
“This technology allows virus particles that may have been transmitted via a sneeze to be neutralised in the air or on surfaces without having to travel through a traditional air ventilation or filtration system such as a HVAC or air purification unit for removal. “
One local success story for the installation of PHI Cell technology is the Tandara Lodge Community Care residential aged care facility in Tasmania where Airius supplied 35 Air Pears and 20 Air Pears with PHI Cells within the facility.
Brodie said Tandara Lodge was seeking to find ways to reduce the risk to residents of influenza and other seasonal viruses.
“Airius fans are typically used for maintaining internal room comfort by regulating temperatures through air circulation and destratification,” he said.
“At Tandara Lodge, Airius fans with factory fitted PHI Cells were installed to provide the dual benefit of neutralising viruses, bacteria and volatile organic compounds.”