![]() However, a significantly higher level of energy is required to push air through HEPA filters compared to basic HVAC filters. HEPA are extremely efficacious at screening out airborne viruses and bacteria due to their small particulate size 6. For example, in aerospace cabins HVAC systems are designed to be used with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters 5. There have been a number of novel filters introduced to try and prevent the spread of viruses through heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Both buses had air conditioning on a recycling mode, and the pattern of spread supported a role for airborne transmission, as the risk of COVID-19 was not significantly associated with distance from the index case. This is compared to none who travelled on a separate bus 4. In particular, a recent case study demonstrated that among the 68 passengers who travelled on a bus with one infected individual, 24 became infected with SARS-CoV2. The risk of developing COVID-19 is also increased with greater public transport use by several studies 3. Investigation of London Underground Oyster card data demonstrated a significant correlation between higher rates of influenza-like illnesses in people with increased underground usage and/or those who incur more contact while travelling in London boroughs 2. The risk of respiratory infection is increased in people using public transport and was noted to be sixfold higher in people who had used a tram or bus within 5 days of the onset of symptoms 1. Lastly, the filters have been tested in field trials onboard the UK rail network, showing excellent efficacy in reducing the burden of microbial species colonising the air conditioning system. Further to this, the filters are shown to be extremely durable and to maintain antimicrobial activity throughout the operational lifetime of the product. ![]() Through air flow rate testing, light microscopy and SEM, the filters are shown to maintain their structure and filtration function. The antimicrobial filters reported here are shown to kill pathogens, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli and MRSA in under 15 min and to destroy SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in under 30 s following contact with the filter. ![]() In this study we report on the efficacy of novel biocide treated filters and their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses. This has brought an increasing demand for novel technologies to prioritise clean air. Thus, preventing the spread of disease from pathogens has come to the forefront of the public consciousness. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the real need for mechanisms to control the spread of airborne respiratory pathogens.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |