It’s Not Just the Equipment That’s Infected Leave a comment
Coronavirus COVID-19 has changed everything in the world around us. The more we discover the more we know it is going to take some time to really grasp the far-reaching issues with an air-born virus. And today we’d like to talk a little bit more about that. And if you just want to talk to someone, call our Free Tech Support at 704-966-1650 Option 3.
What is the issue?
The CDC acknowledges that a virus-like COVID-19 can not only linger in the air sometimes for hours but also can be transmitted by people that are farther apart than the 6-foot separation currently in place.
While the CDC stresses that close-contact transmission is more common, they have recognized an open letter by a group of US Scientists in this area. The open letter published in the medical journal Science warns that aerosols lingering in the air could be a major source of COVID-19 transmission.
The CDC has put out a guide that says when anyone is gathered in enclosed spaces like offices, waiting rooms, treatment rooms, and break rooms, etc. the ventilation and air quality definitely come into play and can intensify the chance for transmission.
How can that work?
We have known for some time that when someone coughs or sneezes the virus can be transported through small droplets of water and spread to individuals in the area. This size droplet will fly through the air and quickly fall to the ground.
But we have now learned that we need to distinguish between droplets and aerosols which are different sizes and have very different aerodynamic abilities.
What is the difference?
Historically when measuring droplets (larger than 100 μm ) there has been a threshold size of 5 μm¹. But we have learned that aerosols can have droplets smaller than 100 μm.
Droplets (which are larger than 100 μm) containing viruses will normally only travel about 6 feet (2 meters) before rapidly dropping to the ground. That is how the six-feet social distancing rule came to be.
However, aerosols (smaller than 100 μm) containing infectious viruses² can not only travel further than 6 feet (2 meters) but can also accumulate into a type of cloud in poorly ventilated areas. There they can remain suspended for many seconds to hours and lead to a superspreading event³.
A non-symptomatic individual with COVID-19 will not cough or sneeze a lot and spread droplets. But they will definitely release thousands of virus-laden aerosols when talking and breathing.⁴⁻⁶ So there is a much greater chance of someone in that proximity inhaling an aerosol rather than inhaling droplets.⁷
What can we do?
We need to ensure we are paying attention to all the possibilities of transmission. We need to recognize the difference between droplets (spread by coughing and sneezing), and aerosols that can carry the virus much further. And with that, we should really shift focus to include protecting the air we are breathing.
Improvements in indoor air quality by ventilation and filtration will not only help reduce the transmission of deadly viruses but also improve the overall health of our people and buildings.
Where do we start?
By continuing to learn as much as you can about safety guidelines and proper procedures. Always stay informed and up to date on the newest information available.
You can also get a head start by checking out the new Air Disinfection Products manufactured by OSO Pure. They are an excellent and affordable solution to clean and purify the air in our Rooms, Buildings, and even Vehicles.
ROOMS
ADP-70
The ADP 70 air disinfection utilizes a proven technology commonly used in hospital HVAC systems called Photocatalytic Oxidation ( PCO). These charged ions, referred to as Hydroxyl Radicals (HO), are powerful oxidizers that destroys particles as small as .001 microns. HEPA systems only filter particles down to .300 microns. The ADP 70 continuously emits HO for on contact removal of contaminants.
The ADP-70 is perfect for:
- Operatory areas
- Patient waiting or common areas
- Employee Break rooms
- Implant Processing
- Sterilization center
- Lab Processing
- Denture
- Waiting Rooms
- Any unconfined area where you want to control pathogens and odors.
BUILDINGS
ADP-V1
AIR DISINFECTING PURIFIER VENTILATION
The ADP-V Series air purifier installs in the practice’s HVAC system effectively oxidizing viruses, bacteria, mold, odors and VOC’s in the air and on surfaces. Unlike air filtration devices, the ADP emits powerful oxidizers that attack pathogens at the point of origin as opposed to waiting for them to be removed via filtration. Our process provides an extra layer of protection 24/7 to you, your staff and your patients.
Some of the ADP-V Series features are:
- Utilizes your existing system, purification is distributed evenly throughout the practice
- Reduces airborne and surface contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, VOCs, mold, and mildew
- Purifies the HVAC ducts and kills mold on the A-Coil and drip pan
- Eliminates odors at the source
- Ideal for most indoor spaces
- Safe for humans and pets
- LED function lights confirm continuous operation
- Low to no maintenance – replace cell every 2 years.
We also have the ADP-V2 and ADP-V3 available.
VEHICLES
EVPP
Emergency Vehicle Personal Purifier
The EVPP is the perfect Air Purifier for emergency vehicles, your work vehicle, or desktop workspace. Utilizing PCO Technology along with Negative Ionization to purify air and surfaces, up to 99% of Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, Mildew, and other contaminants are rendered harmless. Odors like smoke are also eliminated, creating a cleaner safer work environment.
¹ National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, “Video 31—CQ1 reflection and syntheses: Identifying opportunities and gaps on the path ahead by Kim Prather” (Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A Virtual Workshop, 26 to 27 August 2020); www.nationalacademies.org/event/08-26-2020/airborne-transmission-of-sars-cov-2-a-virtual-workshop.
² J. A. Lednicky et al., Int. J. Infect. Dis. S1201-9712(20)30739-6 (2020).doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.025pmid:32949774
⁴ K. A. Prather, C. C. Wang, R. T. Schooley, Science 368, 1422 (2020).doi:10.1126/science.abc6197pmid:32461212
⁵ V. Stadnytskyi, C. E. Bax, A. Bax, P. Anfinrud, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 117, 11875 (2020).doi:10.1073/pnas.2006874117pmid:32404416
⁶ J. Ma et al., Clin. Infect. Dis. ciaa1283 (2020). doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa1283pmid:32857833
⁷ W. Chen, N. Zhang, J. Wei, H.-L. Yen, Y. Li, Build. Environ. 176, 106859 (2020).doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.106859
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.