HSE scientist have been evaluating room scale use of mobile air cleaning devices and their potential to mitigate the airborne spread of microorganisms: in real-world scenarios.
Microbiologists and aerosol scientists, assessed five different air-cleaning devices, containing high-efficiency air filters, for their ability to remove an airborne biological challenge under room scale conditions. The controlled atmospheric chamber at HSE’s Science and Research Centre was used. The biological challenge test used a low-hazard bacteriophage surrogate for viral SARS-CoV-2.
The research showed that the air cleaning devices gave measurable reduction in airborne bacteriophage. The best-performing machines achieved major reductions, amounting to the equivalent of removing tens to hundreds of thousands of bacteriophage from each cubic metre of room air over the test period.
Automated decontamination technologies may offer infection-control benefits when used alongside other recognised control measures, such as chemical disinfection of surfaces and mechanical ventilation treatment of indoor air.
More information
* Abstract
* Article in the HSE Annual Science Review 2023
* PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study
* Email: buxton.infocentre@hse.gov.uk
Photo: Experimental set-up of multiple air samplers (left) and aerosol generator (right) as used during air cleaner chamber testing
