Since recent coronavirus developments have shown how important it is to maintain high air quality, people are now showing a great deal of interest in sterilizing the air.
Air purifiers are now equipped with various technologies for killing airborne germs.
Also See: Best Air Purifier for Viruses
However, even prior to the coronavirus, the flu season claimed the lives of tens of thousands each year. Hence, this is a longstanding question that needs a viable solution to save lives.
How to kill germs in the air?
Although air filters can help you to bring down the levels of circulating coronaviruses, flu viruses, germs and other pathogens, the best solution is to adopt a comprehensive strategy for mitigating the risk of infection. You should, hence, follow government guidelines like washing your hands, wearing masks, observing adequate distance from others, using disinfectants for cleaning surfaces and maintaining isolation, among others.
Even if your air purifier has the capability of killing germs and viruses, you cannot rely on that alone for mitigating infection risk. A little bit of carelessness can render your investment futile and get you infected.
For instance, if you do not observe isolation and social distancing, then you will most likely be breathing in germ-filled vapors before they have the opportunity of being filtered and sterilized by an air filter.
There is no air-filter technology that can protect you against such negligence. Hence, it pays to follow official guidelines, in addition to using germ-killing air filtration technology.
Here are certain technologies that can kill some of the germs and viruses lingering in your indoor air.
Photocatalytic Air Purifier
These air filters depend on oxidization and electrostatic effects rather than just plain physical filters. These modern filters generate ions and which by virtue of oxidization and electrostatic action can capture and kill viruses as well as bacteria.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light has long been used as a sterilization medium for water filtration technology. Now certain air purifiers also have UV light for killing off viruses and germs. However, there is a catch.
The virus or germs needs to be exposed to UV light for a certain time period in order to be eliminated. If the germ-infested air is simply passing through UV lighting, then this method may not eliminate a significant.
However, sterilizing filters with UV rays may be more effective since the pathogens are stationary and can be exposed to UV light for long periods of time.
Catechin-Based Filters
These are relatively new filters that may carry anti-viral properties. However, there are not too many models with this filter type. Catechin is derived from plant extracts and it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Carbon Filters
Although carbon filters are not meant to trap and eliminate bacteria and viruses, they are effective at trapping volatile organic compounds, toxins, pollutants and odors of all sorts, which can have a deleterious effect on your health.
Make sure that you follow government guidelines to stay safe from germs and viruses.
