Clearing The Air About Cleaning The Air In Your Workplace or Home
While indoor air purification systems have been around for a while, the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic has understandably driven increased interest in these devices, filters, and products. As Colorado Springs homeowners and business owners alike take every reasonable step to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their workforces from COVID-19, they often ask whether an indoor air purification system should be part of those efforts.
The short answer is that some indoor air purification systems can reduce the likelihood of airborne transmission of the coronavirus in enclosed spaces. But it is important to understand that not all systems or products fit the bill, nor can air filtration or purification provide complete protection from COVID-19.
What Are Indoor Air Purification Systems?
Indoor air purification systems claim to remove harmful contaminants and pollutants from homes, workplaces, and other indoor spaces. The technology they use to do so generally falls into one of two categories: filters or sanitizers.
Filters remove pathogens and pollutants from circulation as part of a building’s HVAC system and focus on improving indoor air quality by physically removing tiny particles that may be floating around in indoor spaces and ventilation systems, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust. But many filters can also capture viruses, including COVID-19. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can neutralize particles as small as 0.1 microns, which is smaller than the size of most airborne pathogens like COVID. Since coronavirus is at the lower end of a HEPA filter’s range, it might not be 100 percent effective on a single pass. But over an extended period, a HEPA filter can take out the overwhelming majority of viruses (approximately 99.94 to 99.9 percent). However, passive indoor air purification systems that use filters merely trap particles and viruses, they do not destroy them.
Air sanitizers (also called air cleaners), on the other hand, are active systems that work by killing bacteria, mold, fungus, and other living impurities.
How To Choose The Right Indoor Air Purification System For Your Space
What kind of indoor air purification system is right for you largely depends on the size and nature of the space you wish to purify.
Large buildings and commercial facilities can and should take a two-pronged approach to remove contaminants and pathogens from circulating air. The first prong focuses on the building’s existing HVAC system. Consider consulting with a professional to upgrade HVAC filters to the highest possible efficiency compatible with the specific facility and HVAC system.
The second prong involves supplementing the work of HEPA filters and other HVAC filtration systems with portable air cleaners, especially in areas with minimal or inadequate ventilation. Direct the airflow on any such devices such that it does not blow directly from one person to another.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers this advice for choosing a portable air cleaner that can remove COVID-19 and other viruses from circulating indoor air:
- Choose a portable air cleaner intended for the room size in which you will use it and be sure it meets at least one of the following criteria:
- it is designated as High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA),
- it is CADR rated, or
- the manufacturer states that the device will remove most particles in the size range below 1 um.
- Do not use air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone in occupied spaces or that do not meet state regulations or industry standards for ozone generation.
Related: Employer Guide For Employees Returning to the Office After COVID-19
Consider ActivePure Technology
ActivePure is an FDA-approved, Class II medical device that is used in schools, hospitals, government buildings, military installations, and yes, even in local homes.
A recent study by the CDC accredited University of Texas Medical Branch showed that ActivePure Technology can kill 99.9% of pathogens in the air and on surfaces within just 3 minutes. ActivePure is cutting-edge technology that takes the active approach to purify your air and surfaces, bringing medical grade protection from COVID-19 into everyday life.
And, with over 70 products boasting this life-changing technology, chances are good that you can find the right solution for your home and office.
A Special Note Regarding The Use Of Indoor Air Purification Systems
Indoor air purification systems, especially those using ActivePure Technologies, can be a powerful tool in your arsenal against the COVID-19 virus. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s time to ditch your mask and start hugging everyone around you. The EPA, along with other experts, emphasizes that we all need to continue to follow all of the safety protocols to which we have become accustomed over the course of the pandemic, including masks, social distancing, and frequent hand-washing.
Colorado Pure: The Front Range’s Source For The Purest Water And The Purest Air
Colorado Pure is proud to be Colorado Springs’ preeminent distributor of Active Pure Technology. We feel strongly that the inclusion of these products is a natural extension of our already premier line of office and workplace solutions.
We look forward to speaking with you today about how we can help you and your company keep your employees healthy, hydrated, and productive. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
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