While social distancing and sanitizing surfaces can be beneficial for combatting pathogens, we should also consider airborne spread of viruses, bacteria, and fungi before they land on surfaces. At Agrify, we are helping businesses target airborne pathogens by providing air purification technology as an effort for a cleaner, safer environment for employees and customers alike.
Bluezone air purification technology utilizes ultraviolet-enhanced oxidation (contained ultraviolet light and ozone). Instead of capturing and concentrating airborne contaminants in a particle filter or activated carbon, Bluezone kills or converts these chemical and biological impurities. Particle filters and carbon filters need to be replaced frequently (with potential for exposing employees to pathogens trapped in the filter) to remain effective.
With the risk of COVID-19 looming all over the world, the CDC and other experts have emerged with suggestions and encouragement for businesses to re-open with health and safety as a top priority, putting a large focus on indoor air quality.
Recently, Dr. Joseph Allen of Harvard’s School of Public Health appeared on Boston 25 News urging businesses to install air filtration systems into their buildings. “The number one risk factor for transmission of COVID-19 is time spent indoors. There is no question that we have to put in healthy building control strategies to help minimize the risk of transmission” Allen also says increasing the amount of fresh, outdoor air that comes in is a crucial step to keep people safe, in combination with upgrading the efficiency of building’s filtration systems.
In addition, the Center for Disease Control began recommending that businesses “develop hazard controls using the hierarchy of controls to reduce transmission among workers”. The CDC asks businesses to consider using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation as a supplement to help inactivate the coronavirus.
CNN’s “ Re-Opening Roadblock: Public Bathrooms” covered the dangers that may be lurking in public restrooms with consideration to spread of virus-containing aerosols in shared spaces. “The act of flushing a toilet is an aerosol generating device of fecal matter, and we know that there are viruses in fecal matter” says Eric Feigl-Ding, Senior Fellow at the Federation of American Scientists. Bathrooms seem to be a perfect candidate for air purification technology, helping to lessen the viral load that may be spread via fecal aerosols.
With rising concern for common spaces, businesses may want to consider putting air purification devices in areas where staff are sharing space and PPE may not be worn. For example, break rooms where employees are eating, locker rooms where employees are changing, and more.
Bluezone technology is currently being used in medical facilities, dispensaries, cannabis grow operations, testing laboratories, restaurants, food storage facilities and more.
Bluezone is a third-party tested, and proven technology that has been tested and fielded by the United States military. Bluezone is ETL Safety Certified, NSF Sanitation Certified, and California Air Resources Board Certified for ozone emissions.
To learn more about Bluezone technology with relation to virus mitigation, see our whitepaper here.
Have questions? Our team is here to help. Contact us today.
