Air Purification Technologies

The World Health Organization has admitted that COVID -19 virus can be transmitted via particles in the air.  People were wondering whether the air purification system could safeguard them by reducing the virus that is present in the air. There is no foolproof system that helps to combat the COVID-19 virus indoors. Buildings that are installed with a central heating and cooling system already comprise the air filtration system with it. This air filtration system helps reduce the viruses in the air. These filters also help reduce the risk of particles in the air. Depending on the capability of the mechanical filters, filters can collect fine particles, dust, pollens, smoke, and microbes in the air.

Although CDC suggested effective guidelines such as social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing, vaccination is to be followed to prevent coronavirus. They have suggested that air purification systems help reduce indoor airborne contaminants that include viruses. There are different types of air purification technologies used to remove the contaminants in the air. If you want the air purifier or air cleaner to reduce the risk of COVID-19 then it is important to understand the technologies used to purify the air. HEPA filter technology is most popularly used in hospitals and other clinical settings. HEPA air purifiers are also commonly referred to as hospital-grade air purifiers.

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Let’s understand the different technologies that combat coronavirus.

1. Air filter - HEPA filters technology and Activate Carbon

HEPA Filters

HEPA air purifiers are highly effective and efficient air cleaners. These HEPA air cleaners are recommended by the researchers as they are more concerned about the very fine particulates of size 2.5 microns. These fine particles are potentially enough to damage the lungs, heart, and nervous system. It is vital to be concerned about the air we breathe to have a healthy and safe environment.

HEPA filters are made up of interlaced glass fibers that are tightly weaved to form a maze-like structure. It removes all the fine particulates that are larger than 0.3 microns. The internal fan in the best air purifiers pulls the air into the very large surface of the HEPA filter such that all the fine particles in the air are removed and the fresh air is recirculated in the environment.  These filters are very effective and do not generate ozone or any harmful byproducts to the environment.

The best air purifier for homes with HEPA filters removes nearly 99.97% of the particulates of size 0.3 microns from the air. The fine particles like pollen, dust mites, bacteria, viruses from the environment. HEPA filters are not effective at removing gases, smoke, and unpleasant smells from the environment. HEPA air purifiers or air cleaners usually comprise HEPA filters and activated carbon filters. 

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is a fine carbon particle that is processed to form an extremely porous surface. These activated carbon filters effectively absorb smoke, unpleasant smell, VOCs and other harmful chemical evaporates and gases in the air. Activated carbon filters are more effective for people more allergic or sensitive to chemicals.

Best air purifier for home with an activated carbon filter that absorbs formaldehyde from the furniture, Radon is another important contaminant in the air that is released from the building materials and the cracks in the buildings. These contaminants are harmful to our health and it is to be removed from the indoor air. An activated carbon filter effectively removes such chemicals in the indoor air and provides a healthy environment.

Do These Air Filters Remove COVID-19

Initially, it was acknowledged that coronavirus is transmitted only when the infected person comes in contact with the other. Later studies found that the coronavirus can be transmitted even through the respiratory droplets (through cough and sneeze) and also as aerosols or air particles (when the infected person speaks or even through respiration).

Researchers believe that coronavirus is easy to trap with high-performance ultrafine filters. The coronavirus usually measures about 0.1 microns. The virus-contaminated air particles of much bigger size in the range of 1 and 10 microns can be easily trapped with High Efficient Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters effectively filter 99.97% of very fine particulates in the air. 

HEPA filters trap these viruses but do not kill them. This filter deactivates the viruses or pathogens in the indoor air within a fraction of minutes and reduces the risk of the spread of coronavirus from one person to another in the same environment.

These Air filters not only protect you from the coronavirus but also from the other hazardous pollutants in the environment.

2. Ultraviolet (UV) technology 

UV light technology is the best technology to kill microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or pathogens in the indoor environment. The UV rays radiated with a certain wavelength that is referred to as germicidal wavelength that damages the DNA of the microorganisms and kills them. This helps reduce the risk of coronavirus as well. But UV light technology removes only microorganisms in the air and does not remove any airborne particles. The UV technology air purifiers usually come with particle filters such that microorganisms do not escape from the shade of airborne particles in the indoor air. Most commonly HEPA-UV air purifiers are used to protect effectively from microorganisms in the indoor environment.

3. Ionization

Ionization is the recent air purification technology. In this technology, negative ions are generated such that it attracts the positively charged airborne particles or other microorganisms in the air. This makes particles heavy to float in the air and so the particles fall into the surface and attach themselves. This technology is less effective because it does not remove any pollutants from the air. Rather it makes the pollutant fall on the floor, windows, door, or any solid objects which are to be cleaned with the disinfectants. If not cleaned immediately then the particles stuck on the surface become loose and recontaminate the air again. Research is going on in this technology to enhance the ionization method to remove or kill microorganisms in the air.

Air purification got its importance in this COVID-19 outbreak. There are  different technologies used to purify the air and reduce the risk of viruses.

HEPA filters technology

HEPA air purifiers are highly effective and efficient air cleaners. These HEPA air cleaners are recommended by the researchers as they are more concerned about the very fine particulates of size 2.5 microns. HEPA filters are made up of interlaced glass fibers that are tightly weaved to form a maze-like structure. It removes nearly 99.97% of fine particulates that are larger than 0.3 microns.

Ultraviolet (UV) technology 

UV light technology is the best technology to kill microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or pathogens in the indoor environment. The UV rays radiated with a certain wavelength that is referred to as germicidal wavelength that damages the DNA of the microorganisms and kills them.  But UV light technology removes only microorganisms in the air and does not remove any airborne particles.

Ionization

Ionization is the recent air purification technology. In this technology, negative ions are generated such that it attracts the positively charged airborne particles or other microorganisms in the air. This makes particles heavy to float in the air and so the particles fall into the surface and attach themselves. This technology is less effective that does not remove any pollutants from the air. Rather it makes the pollutant fall on the floor, windows, door, or any solid objects which are to be cleaned with the disinfectants.

Air Purification Technologies

Conclusion

There are various technologies that are used to reduce the risk of viruses in the air. It is important to understand the technologies and how this air purifier can tackle viruses and other microorganisms in the air. Here I have discussed a few technologies that help tackle airborne viruses in the air. True HEPA filters are the most effective filter that removes 99.97% of very fine particulates and microorganisms of size larger than 0.3 microns and helps you have clean and fresh air to breathe. Best HEPA air purifiers with high CADR  (Clean Air Delivery Rate) relative to the room configuration are to be selected. Regular cleaning and replacing the sensors help you get efficient outcomes.

AerMax 500 - air cleaner is the best buy air purifier comprising HEPA filters which help reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus. This best buy air purifier deactivates viruses in the indoor air within a fraction of minutes. This AerMax 500 best buy air purifier is IoT enabled and helps you monitor the air quality remotely as well. These best air purifiers safeguard your health not only from viruses but also from fine particles in the air. This best air purification system enables you to breathe clean air and keep your day fresh.


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