A Vital Tool to reduce Covid-19 Spread
Approximately a 7 minute read:
Enhanced Filtration Systems Can Help Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19
Efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is a globalized focus involving many of the top health institutions. Since the emergence of the deadly coronavirus forcing a worldwide pandemic, infection disease experts at Johns Hopkins University have been actively collecting and analyzing domestic and international data.
The effort began on Jan. 22, 2020, with one of the first global maps to track Covid-19 cases and deaths. It evolved on March 3, 2020, into the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The center has chronicled information from over 260 sources worldwide – 182 of which come from state and local agencies.
John Hopkins established CRC (Coronavirus Resource Center) in collaboration with 260 credible resources to create a hub of scientific and health-based data points. This enabled a stream of relevant information pertaining to the pandemic for the benefit of the public.
Background: Understanding How the Coronavirus Spread Rapidly Across the Globe
Three principal methods of contamination have been outlined by the CDC.
Inhalation of air carrying very small fine droplets and aerosol particles that contain infectious virus. Risk of transmission is greatest within three to six feet of an infectious source where the concentration of these very fine droplets and particles is greatest.
Deposition of virus carried in exhaled droplets and particles onto exposed mucous membranes (i.e., “splashes and sprays”, such as being coughed on). Risk of transmission is likewise greatest close to an infectious source where the concentration of these exhaled droplets and particles is greatest.
Touching mucous membranes with hands soiled by exhaled respiratory fluids containing virus molecules, or from touching inanimate surfaces contaminated with virus molecules.
What is the Risk of Covid-19 Transmission in an Enclosed Area Without Sufficient Ventilation?
The CDC states that inadequate ventilation plays a significant role in the rate of transmission. In an enclosed environment, the droplets harboring the virus can become heavily concentrated within the air space. In circumstances where there is prolonged exposure to these heavily concentrated areas of droplets, the risk of transmission is significantly higher than normal. Consequently, masking may be ineffective in warding off transmission of the virus.
“In terms of ventilation, the highest achievable air change rate that will not generate excessive noise or have a negative impact on space air distribution should be used, while also ensuring flow patterns maximize appropriate circulation of air in classrooms” – JHU CRC
Even in highly confined spaces, safety can be implemented. Air filtration is an engineering risk mitigation strategy with proven effectiveness. A study by the U.S. Dept. Of Defense indicated that airplane travel is safer compared to other larger confined spaces due the fact they have enhanced air filtration engineering controls.
Germfree’s bio-containment engineers invented AirV2, a commercial air filtration system for Germfree’s own offices. The system was patented on the precedent that maximized clean air circulation in real-world environments is critical to air filtration performance, results and risk reduction. Most clean air systems have low velocity which inhibits their ability to properly circulate the air around larger room areas and obstructive furnishings in most real-world applications.
Comparatively, AirV2 shows the ability to circulate clean air through large rooms and commercial spaces over real-world obstructions. The system can provide continuous clean air throws up to 55 ft.(equivalent to 2000 square feet). This coverage is providing clean air and risk reduction constantly to the occupants within that range, displacing dirty air throughout the room and creating an equalized circulation of clean air near and far the machine.
Peer Reviewed Air Filtration Methodologies with Efficacy
Ventilation or HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) is designed to move conditioned outdoor air into a building or a room and then distribute the treated air (hot or cold) within the building or room. HVAC systems are not equipped for high filtration functionality without negatively impacting lifespan, performance, and maintenance costs. In many cases, they need a professionally engineered retrofit application to support the HVAC system to provide high filtration.
Unfortunately, most systems are not designed to perform both HVAC duties and high air filtration combined. Additionally, the cost for a customized unit that can perform this combined function can cost hundreds and thousands of dollars; especially when factoring any site downtime required during reconstruction. Therefore a need exists for in-room air cleaning devices using proven filtration methods like Germfree’s AirV2. They offer superior indoor air quality, air filtration, and help mitigate the spread of airborne pathogens. AirV2 offers a viable non-interrupting alternative created from proven filtration methods.
“Portable air cleaners vary in their ability to circulate air in the room… devices that provide better mixing of the indoor air can capture particles from more of the room’s airspace and are therefore preferred. Because potential viral sources could be in various locations within a room.” – Harvard School of Public Health
Air Filtration Systems Are a Viable Long-Term Asset
The strongest takeaway from the major educational powerhouses (JHU and Harvard), is that high-filtration application is the one of the best investments you can make. Whether the AirV2 is installed in classroom settings, or any other enclosed environment, it supports the guidance and best practice recommendations by both establishments.
“Fomite (surface) transmission is not a major driver of the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Investments in ventilation will provide more value in risk reduction.”
AirV2 is revolutionary and able to apply its patented-filtration method to capture a vast number of pathogens, reducing airborne risk throughout an entire room. Its unique coverage captures a full range of droplets and droplet nuclei that carry:
Covid-19 (SARS-COv-2)
Influenza (Flu)
Allergens
Aerosolized Mold and Mold Spores
The Common Cold
Unfortunately, poor air quality has far-reaching effects in K-12 schools. The EPA has compiled extensive evidence supporting the correlation between indoor air quality and student performance, absenteeism, and even teacher retention.
“Improvements in ventilation can help reduce risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases and improve students’ overall health and ability to learn.”
Alternative Air Filtration Systems Available - Lacking Efficacy
Most consumer and commercial devices do not take into consideration the amount of clean air circulation that reaches real occupants in real environments. Some devices may prioritize alternative “cleaning” or “disinfection” methods however peer reviewed efficacy deems these technologies as emerging and unproven. These devices should be intensively reviewed before implementation by trained decision makers knowledgeable in the trade.
“School systems should not use unproven technologies such as ozone generators, ionization, plasma, and air disinfection with chemical foggers and sprays. The effect of these cleaning methods on children has not been tested and may be detrimental to their health. The primary aim for improving air quality should be to remove contaminants and impurities from the air and not to introduce new substances into the air.” - JHU CRC Excerpt
Designed to fit any standard wall outlet, the AirV2 is easily able to outfit any public enclosed space. This proprietary mechanism of filtration is specifically designed to facilitate the circulation of clean air throughout an entire room.
Allergens, molds, and deadly pathogens are continuously cleaned providing a sense of well-being and security for any well-occupied closed space such as classroom environments, gyms, or offices.
AirV2 has no requirement to change major maintenance items like, bulbs, motors, ionizers, etc.
The AirV2 clean air dispersion system captures indoor airborne pathogens like COVID-19 (Sars-CoV-2), Influenza (Flu) and the common cold.
AirV2 uses a proven technology to provide a cleaner indoor environment. The unit captures particles in a lab-grade filter and disperses that clean air as far as possible throughout the room. This is in line with documented best practices and guidance surrounding the concept of safe air circulation. It is supported by highly credible institutions, Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University.
While ventilation improvements may often be perceived as a complicated and expensive investment, we demonstrate in a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing ventilation with enhanced (“deep”) cleaning that ventilation improvements are a cost-effective public health measure. - JHU CRC Excerpt
AirV2 by Germfree is a plug and play device that is easy to use, technical expertise is not needed to monitor, install, and perform effectively, providing safety to indoor environments. Germfree made the system simple enough for anyone to install, eliminating the need for costly installation techs. Many systems have complicated requirements of constant filter changes and proper outfitting. AirV2 is ideal for non-technical personnel to install easily on their own without service calls or other maintenance involved.
“A broad conclusion of this research is that the benefits to investing in healthy air in schools have the potential to outlast the COVID-19 pandemic. Improved ventilation may give children and school staff healthier indoor air quality for decades in the future, providing a healthier environment for non-pandemic times and potentially reducing risks in future infectious disease outbreaks.”
Partnering with Germfree Ensures a Safe and Clean Environment
Patented and proprietary, AirV2 is a solution that removes the expertise, time, and complexity traditionally needed to create a cleaner environment. Germfree’s in house subject matter experts have addressed the main concerns of indoor air quality and air circulation with their invention of AirV2. Germfree welcomes any questions and looks forward to partnering with you. Contact one of our team members here to learn more about AirV2.
More About Germfree
Germfree Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1962, to manufacture isolators for gnotobiotic or ‘germfree’ research. Germfree has delivered aseptic and hazardous drug compounding systems to 40% of the hospital pharmacies in the US with units also being shipped globally. We have built a reputation for engineering and manufacturing durable and reliable products. Germfree currently maintains units that have been in continuous operation for over 40 years.
Our isolators and laminar flow technology are utilized by many of the top 10 Pharmaceutical and Biotech firms for production and lab applications. Our leading-edge fabrication technology, engineering teams and subject-matter experts are located at our 173,000 square foot (16,000 square meter) environmentally controlled US manufacturing plant.
