This Covid 19 season, you are probably looking for different ways to keep your home and family safe from the virus. Breathing clean air is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. This is because, The virus is airborne, which is one of its main transmission routes. In order to keep the air clean, you may have heard of air purifiers as a way to fight the virus. Are they really effective against Covid 19? We untangle the real from the fake in this article!
Only HEPA filters are really effective against viruses
FALSE
No, other technologies also work. HEPA filters are now being promoted because they are the classic, known solution that does not present a risk of secondary pollutant emissions from active processes. The emission of secondary pollutants is particularly pointed out for photocatalysis, UV radiation or ozonation devices.
Air ionisers can also kill virus-carrying aerosols. TEQOYA air ionisers have been shown in the laboratory to be effective against viruses. Indeed, we have experimental results showing that our devices reduce the viral load in the air. They have been tested on a wide range of particle types and sizes, down to 7 nanometres.
The performance tests of our devices show their effectiveness even on nanoparticles.
Our devices have also been tested in the laboratory on viruses and bacteria. The results show a removal of about 90% of bacteria from the air. (see our tests).The TEQOYA's air ionisation technology therefore reduces the risk of airborne infections.
An air purifier is not enough to reduce the risk of transmission to zero
TRUE
Air purifiers provide an additional layer of protection to the recommended barrier actions, such as regular hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing.
FALSE
The ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail) has expressed doubts about the harmlessness of certain air purification technologies.
FALSE
The ANSES (Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail) has expressed doubts about the harmlessness of certain air purification technologies.
All air cleaners are safe
FALSE
In particular, attention should be paid to the production of ozone in air ionisers. Ozone is a powerful oxidant, which has a proven biocidal effect. But inhaling ozone can cause coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath and other problems, especially with long-term exposure, even in healthy people. But inhaling ozone can cause coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath and other problems, especially with long-term exposure, even in healthy people. Ozone can also cause lung damage, which is why local weather authorities sometimes issue ozone alerts. local weather authorities sometimes issue ozone alerts.
TEQOYA ionisers do not produce ozone, so they keep your air clean all the time. Other technologies, such as UV and photocatalysis, present risks of chemical reactions between species, which may, depending on the conditions of use and ambient VOC pollution, create other chemical species at least as toxic. depending on the conditions of use and ambient VOC (volatile organic compound) pollution, create other chemical species that are at least as toxic.
Regarding HEPA filters, there are also risks:
- they can release VOCs through the activated carbons they contain
- the filters may contain live microorganisms, so they must be handled with care
- most are made with glass fibers which are carcinogenic if breathed in (if the filter disintegrates for example)
Finally, these filters impose a high energy consumption, which increases with time and filter clogging. It is therefore important to use and maintain these filter devices with care and precaution.
