Ionizer technology comes under a range of names: "ionizing air purifiers", "bi-polar ionization", "air ionizers", "ion generators" and "ionic air purifiers". Additionally, there are air purifiers called “electrostatic air purifiers" which work similarly to ionizers. Collectively, they are termed "ionizers". Ionizers make multiple claims about how well they will clean the air in your room, kill viruses and bacteria, prevent allergy symptoms, provide “freshness,” or eliminate odors. In the past, these claims have been considered doubtful, not least because the ions have very limited range outside of the device, and have been subject to many different analyses / studies which have failed to justify those claims. Now, thanks to detailed testing by Boeing, at least one aspect of their performance is now clear, ionizers are ineffective against viruses, bacteria and mold. Boeing tested 'Needle Point Bi-Polar Ionization', as that version of the technology is licenced for aircraft, and the supplier had made strong claims of between 69% and 99% eradication of a range of airborne viruses and bacteria after 60 minutes, and also 'Corona Discharge Air Ionization'. Air Ionization Disinfection - Huntsville Laboratory Testing The airvorne norovirus surrogate MS2 Bacteriophage showed no observable reduction over a 60 minute interval. There were no observable surface reductions in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterobacter cloacae over a 60 minute exposure duration. Air Ionization Disinfection – University of Arizona Laboratory Testing "Usually a 90% reduction is desired to be confident that a product is having any significant anti-microbial effect. Under the test conditions of this study none of the viruses achieved this level of reduction." Air Ionization Disinfection – New 787-10 Ground Testing Escherichia coli and MS2 Bacteriophage reductions in 30-60 minutes of treatment were much lower than the desired 3 log10 (99.9%) cabin disinfection, indeed they were generally < 0.1 log10 with higher values attributed to either experimental error or high levels of ozone. Boeing's Conclusions
Boeing conclude that its limited testing was unable to replicate supplier results in terms of antimicrobial effectiveness and that the systems were unable to properly deliver and maintain sufficiently high ion levels in the airplane. Similarly, laboratory-based tests did not show proper rates of disinfection, even with high ion concentrations.
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The UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) |
Virus | Hard Surfaces (e.g. desk, door handle) | Hands | Indoor Air |
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) | Up to 72 hours | Several hours | Up to 3 hours |
Colds | Up to 24 hours | More than an hour | Up to 45 minutes |
Flu | Up to 24 hours | Up to 10 minutes | Several hours |
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (cold-like virus that can cause serious illness in children) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 30 minutes | Several hours |
Parainfluenza (causes croup) | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 minutes | Transmission unlikely |
As you can see, these can hang around indoors for up to 72 hours – and people can shed huge numbers of cold / flu viruses into the air which can in turn settle onto surfaces:
Coughing Sneezing Talking / Singing Vomiting Shed by Diarrhea into the air | 3,000+ 3,000+ 1,000+ 1,000+ 20,000+ |
Nature’s outdoors remedy - Hydroxyls
However, outside, you’re much less likely to catch these viruses. That’s because Hydroxyl Radicals, which occur naturally and abundantly in the air outside, kill all human pathogens on contact, including cold and flu viruses.
Hydroxyl Radicals are commonly known as ‘Nature’s Detergent’, and we think they are pretty amazing!
However, outside, you’re much less likely to catch these viruses. That’s because Hydroxyl Radicals, which occur naturally and abundantly in the air outside, kill all human pathogens on contact, including cold and flu viruses.
Hydroxyl Radicals are commonly known as ‘Nature’s Detergent’, and we think they are pretty amazing!
Only Airora's technology creates the same remedy indoors, in both the air and on surfaces.
Learn more about hydroxyls >
Learn more about hydroxyls >
Airora product development has continually focused on safety. In June 2020, the Airora Professional PAW100/500 product passed an IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) test at the UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE) with flying colours.
The IAQ test measured the amounts of some potentially harmful substances in the ambient air (representing a typical room) before and after using Airora Professional.
Those substances were: CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), Ozone, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 particulates, Formaldehyde, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
To pass the test, the air after using the Airora device could not exceed the IAQ guidelines for safe levels for any of these pollutants.
The results demonstrated that Airora products meet IAQ standards across the board.
Moreover, the amounts of every substance measured were far smaller than the maximum safe levels.
We're delighted to be able to confirm that Airora is a people-safe technology.
For detailed results of our IAQ tests, please contact us.
We will soon be conducting efficacy testing of our new Airora products. Please follow us to stay informed.
The IAQ test measured the amounts of some potentially harmful substances in the ambient air (representing a typical room) before and after using Airora Professional.
Those substances were: CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), Ozone, PM1, PM2.5, PM10 particulates, Formaldehyde, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
To pass the test, the air after using the Airora device could not exceed the IAQ guidelines for safe levels for any of these pollutants.
The results demonstrated that Airora products meet IAQ standards across the board.
Moreover, the amounts of every substance measured were far smaller than the maximum safe levels.
We're delighted to be able to confirm that Airora is a people-safe technology.
For detailed results of our IAQ tests, please contact us.
We will soon be conducting efficacy testing of our new Airora products. Please follow us to stay informed.
Author
Dr Wyatt blogs on his lifetime's experience of Indoor Air Quality Issues.
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