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The recognition of bipolar ionization efficacy to improve indoor air quality goes back decades. As far back as the 1960s, ASHRAE recognized the benefits of ionization in the assistance of creating clean rooms. More recently, ionization studies have demonstrated that in addition to other proactive IAQ measures, clean, disinfected air helps minimize the spread of viruses and other microbial pathogens.
Bipolar Ionization Efficacy
The effectiveness of bipolar ionization in cleaning air is nothing new. As far back as 1966, the ASHRAE Journal was promoting the benefits of ionization. Even at that time, hundreds of studies already proved the value of ionization as one tool in a combined approach to improving indoor air quality.
More recently, a controlled experiment conducted by the Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science based in Tokyo Japan proved the efficacy of bipolar ionization in destroying pathogens. Their study showed a reduction of the H1N1 virus after only one hour of ionization.
Fighting COVID-19 with Ionization
As we’ve seen, studies prove that bipolar ionization is effective in fighting viruses such as H1N1 influenza and H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu). But it can also neutralize the coronavirus over time as well. For example, a recent study by Madrid-based HVAC company Tayra and backed by the Spanish Ministry of Defense Biological Laboratory proved that bipolar ionization technology reduces viral spread. The study used a Plasma Air Ionizer and a substitute for the coronavirus (MS2 Bacteriophage) to get a reduction of the virus after ten minutes of ionization.
The coronavirus spreads through tiny water droplets that get breathed into the lungs. Evidence suggests that aerosol transmission is the primary mode of transmission. This means that the virus contained in droplets stays in the air for much longer than previously thought. If cleaner air reduces the spread of the virus, then ionization is an important tool when combined with other IAQ best practices in the fight against COVID-19.
How PURE Plasma Improves IAQ
A inactivated or neutralized pathogen no longer spreads infection. Bipolar ionization is effective in making viruses inactive. The technology also reduces pathogens such as Staph and E. coli. Three types of ionization technologies offer the best results for reducing pathogens. Needlepoint, brush, and tube-style ionizers minimize viruses but also reduce dust, pollen, and smoke and get rid of odors too.
Ionizer devices mounted in HVAC ductwork or in the air handler unit release positive and negative oxygen ions. These ions attract the oppositely charged hydrogen molecule removing it from a virus or other microbial pathogen . The virus alone is too small to get caught in most filtration systems. However, when clustered with other particles they are easier trap in a HEPA or MERV filter. Bipolar ionization is effective in minimizing viruses before they enter shared spaces. This has enormous benefits for hotels, offices, and hospitals. In fact, all commercial buildings benefit from cleaner air. It creates healthier environments for staff and visitors.
Learn More about the Effectiveness of Bipolar Ionization
The EDLab at Pure Air Control Services tests bipolar ionization devices in our Multi-tasking Environmental Test Chamber. We do this to help manufacturers to develop effective bipolar ionization and other indoor air quality products.
To find out more about bipolar ionization or have your products studied please contact Contact Pure Air Controls today. 1-800-422-7873