Ensuring Optimal Indoor Air Quality: The Importance of Combined Particle Removal and Sterilization

Fon Zhou | Business Development Director at AirQuality Technology

Introduction:

Maintaining a healthy indoor environment is crucial for overall well-being. Air quality plays a significant role, and recent events have highlighted the importance of effective air purification solutions. This article explores the limitations of single-function air cleaners and advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates both particle removal and sterilization technologies.

Categorization of Air Cleaning Technologies:

The current market offers a diverse range of air cleaning products. These can be broadly classified into two categories:

1. Air Purifiers: Primarily employ mechanical filtration (HEPA filters being a common example) to capture airborne particles such as dust, allergens, and pollutants. While effective in particle removal, these systems lack the capacity to eliminate microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.
2. Air Sterilizers: Utilize technologies like ultraviolet light (UVC) or plasma to inactivate airborne pathogens. However, these methods do not address particulate matter, which can act as carriers for these very pathogens.

The Need for a Multifaceted Approach:

Optimal indoor air quality necessitates a two-pronged attack. Particle removal safeguards against respiratory irritation and allergies by eliminating dust, allergens, and other airborne contaminants. Sterilization, on the other hand, combats the threat of viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.?

Recent studies have established a strong correlation between particulate matter (PM) concentration and the transmission rate of COVID-19, further emphasizing the importance of combined strategies:

-PM concentration and COVID transmission rate are highly positively correlated:?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7403850/;

-Particulate matter (PM2.5) as a potential SARS-CoV-2 carrier:?https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81935-9;

-PM may act as a booster for COVID-19 works:?https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.579964/full.

Limitations of Single-Function Systems:

Relying solely on disinfection technologies leaves the issue of particle-borne pathogens unaddressed. These pathogens can remain attached to airborne particles even after sterilization, potentially releasing upon contact with a susceptible individual. Conversely, air purifiers, while capturing some microorganisms, may not eliminate them entirely. A filter saturated with live bacteria could become a breeding ground for further microbial growth.

Emerging Technologies:

The development of innovative air purification technologies like MESP (Micro Electrostatic Precipitator) offers a promising solution. MESP utilizes energized Nano PP material to attract and capture airborne particles while simultaneously inactivating them. This technology represents a significant advancement by addressing both particle removal and sterilization in a single system.

Conclusion:

Ensuring clean indoor air requires a comprehensive approach that integrates both particle removal and sterilization functionalities. By understanding the limitations of single-function systems and exploring advancements like MESP, we can create healthier and safer indoor environments.

Please learn more about MESP air cleaning solutions on AQT webpage: https://www.airquality.com/landing/mesp.shtml

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