01/04/2021
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Air Ionization
The technology behind air ionization takes a unique approach to capturing microscopic aerosolized droplets that may contain pathogens, such as the virus that causes COVID-19. In effect, the process—also known as bipolar ionization — “fattens up” virus particles to make it easier for filters to capture them. This is accomplished with high-voltage electrodes that split apart molecules of oxygen into positive and negative ions in a process called ionization. These unstable ions seek out other particles in the air to return them to a balanced state.
As they encounter viruses, bacteria, molds, allergens, odor-causing gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other particulates, the ionized oxygen molecules grab hold and bind with them. In the process, dangerous pathogens —such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 — are neutralized and can no longer infect a host, such as a human being. The larger-sized molecule that results can be more easily trapped in an air filter.
Air ionization technology has already been proven to neutralize several different viruses. More recently, a scientific study in Spain found that the technology drastically decreased the amount of a virus similar to SARS-CoV-2 that passed into a simulated hospital ward. This study helped to confirm that, when combined with traditional filtration and good ventilation, air ionization can massively decrease the spread of COVID-19.
In fact, Philip Tierno, a clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at the NYU School of Medicine, told Business Insider that air ionization “… can reduce 99.9% of microbes in a matter of minutes.”
Air ionization units are typically easy to integrate with existing HVAC systems and are relatively inexpensive to install. As such, they are a powerful, yet cost-effective, solution for sanitizing indoor air. In addition to its other advantages, air ionization may reduce the need for outdoor air in the overall system, although a trained professional is required to make this determination.
The spotlight is on indoor air quality as COVID-19 continues to change the way we look at the world outside of our homes. While there is still much to learn about SARS-CoV-2, the type of coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak, there is strong evidence that it spreads through the air from....