New device filters 94% of airborne pathogens, offering a breath of fresh air

Breathing Easier: A Breakthrough Device Filters Out 94% of Airborne Pathogens

In an era where airborne illnesses cast a long shadow, particularly in shared indoor spaces, the quest for cleaner air is more critical than ever. American researchers from the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus have unveiled a groundbreaking device that promises a significant leap forward in combating the spread of harmful microorganisms. This innovation could fundamentally alter how we approach indoor air quality, offering a much-needed shield against invisible threats.

The Limitations of Conventional Solutions

Traditional methods for mitigating infection transmission indoors often rely on enhancing ventilation systems. While effective to a degree, these systems, much like the personalized air circulation in airplanes, have inherent drawbacks. As Dr. Sunny Li, a professor at the School of Engineering and co-author of the study, explains, such systems demand users remain stationary, and their effectiveness diminishes when multiple individuals share the same unit. Furthermore, constant exposure to purified air can lead to unwelcome side effects like dry skin and eyes.

"Ensuring high indoor air quality is paramount to reducing the transmission of airborne diseases, especially in shared environments. With many Canadians spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, indoor air quality becomes a critical factor for health and well-being," states Sunny Li.

The complexity of building layouts and the variability of existing HVAC systems present a formidable challenge to optimizing these standard solutions. This is where the new device steps in, offering a novel approach that moves beyond mere air exchange.

A Novel Induction-Removal System for Aerosols and Pathogens

Led by Dr. Mojtaba Zabihi, the research team aimed to engineer a solution that not only prevents occupants from inhaling contaminated air but also allows for comfortable, extended use of personalized ventilation. Their innovative concept centers around an induction-removal or jet-suction airflow mechanism. This system is designed to capture and eliminate exhaled aerosols right at their source, before they have a chance to disperse throughout the room.

The ingenious design directs a stream of air around an individual, continuously drawing contaminated particles into a localized purification zone. Imagine a gentle, invisible bubble of clean air that actively cleanses its immediate surroundings. This targeted approach offers a far more efficient and less intrusive method of air purification.

Impressive Results in Simulated Environments

To assess the efficacy of their invention, the engineers employed sophisticated computer modeling. They simulated a controlled environment, incorporating models of breathing, body heat, and airflow for a 30-minute period. The results were striking: the new device dramatically reduced the risk of infection. Compared to standard personal ventilation systems, which showed infection risks of 47.6%, and even improved systems with local exhaust at 38%, or general room ventilation at a staggering 91%, the new device lowered the risk to a mere 9.5%.

In an optimal placement scenario, the device proved remarkably effective, preventing the inhalation of pathogens for the initial 15 minutes of exposure. Astonishingly, only 10 particles out of a massive 540,000 managed to reach another individual in this timeframe. Overall, the simulations demonstrated that this pioneering system can remove up to a remarkable 94% of airborne pathogens, offering a tangible and significant improvement in air safety. The findings of this pivotal research have been published in the esteemed journal *Building and Environment*.