Air purifiers use air filters to remove harmful particles from the air, including dust, bacteria, mold, and smoke. The efficacy against smaller-sized particles is rated on the MERV scale; the higher the rating, the smaller the particle that the filter protects against. Purifiers have traditionally been used in industrial environments but are becoming much more popular with individuals in their personal homes and spaces to fight allergies and, most recently, the spread of many coronaviruses.
How UVC Light Fights Coronavirus
UVC light produces radiation proven to be effective in disinfecting air and other nonporous surfaces. This technology was first proven in a 1928 study and has since been used to reduce the spread of bacterial and viral diseases in hospitals and industrial environments. In fact, hospitals dealing with the influenza pandemic in 1957 observed that patients in rooms with overhead UVC light had an infection spread rate of 1.9% versus the 18.9% infection rate of those without UVC light.
Specifically to coronavirus, UVC light has been FDA-approved to combat the SARS-Coronavirus. The radiation inactivates the virus by destroying the outer protein layer of the cells. Although SARS is slightly different than the SARS-CoV-2, or the virus that causes COVID-19 Coronavirus, initial studies show the UVC radiation may also slow the spread. It is important to note that the virus must be exposed directly to UV light to be inactivated. Radiation from UVC light direct exposure can be harmful to humans, so it is typically confined within air ducts. This exposure must also be at a high enough dose and long enough duration to be effective. Therefore, not all UVC lights for personal use are created equally. Proper research must be done to ensure efficacy and the user’s safety.
Purashield Mini + UV Light Air Scrubber
The Purashield Mini + UV Light Air Scrubber is a portable air purifier system. Its patented design fights 99.9% of targeted viruses and bacteria.*
This purifier works through the power of Stage 4 Filtration:
- Stage 1: Pre-filter – Traps dust, pollen, and other larger particles
- Stage 2: Molecular Filtration – 22 pounds of patented§ media designed to remove aerosols carrying viruses, oxidizing the molecules to remove toxins
- Stage 3: PuraWard Filter – HEPA filter that uses copper and silver ions** to trap many viruses and bacteria
- Stage 4: UV – UV light to combat many viruses and bacteria
The Purashield Mini is the perfect size for safety during air travel or to purify compact spaces, like a desk area or car, and comes with a non-slip mat and seat straps. This air scrubber has a 2-year warranty and comes with the first replaceable air filter, good for six months of use. Air Filters Delivered makes it very easy to remember when the filter needs to be changed by offering a Filter Subscription that automatically sends a new filter every six months.
*Laboratory testing demonstrated 99.99% reduction of aerosols carrying MS2. Copies of the full test reports are available upon request.
**Filter protected by an EPA-registered antimicrobial additive.
§Patent number US 9,370,763 B2
Purashield 500 Air Scrubber
The Purashield 500 Air Scrubber is a slightly more advanced air filtration system that targets and fights 99.99% of viruses and bacteria.* It uses an H13 grade HEPA filter, which is a medical-grade air filter that removes a minimum of 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3-1.0 microns.
This purifier also works through the power of Stage 4 Filtration:
- Stage 1: Pre-filter – Traps dust, pollen, and other larger particles
- Stage 2: Molecular Filtration – 22 pounds of patented§ media designed to remove aerosols carrying viruses, oxidizing the molecules to remove toxins
- Stage 3: PuraWard Filter – Uses copper and silver ions** to trap many viruses and bacteria
- Stage 4: HEPA Final Filter – H13 grade filtration to capture smaller particulates
The Purashield 500 is larger than its counterpart and, although it is still designed to be compact and mobile, is best for midsized restaurants, offices, and medical spaces. Each unit covers up to 1,500 square feet. Air Filters Delivered includes a handy guide to tell the user how many air purifiers are needed to adequately cover a given space. It also has a 2-year warranty and comes with its first replaceable air filter for six months of use.
*Laboratory testing demonstrated 99.99% reduction of aerosols carrying MS2. Copies of the full test reports are available upon request.
**Filter protected by an EPA-registered antimicrobial additive.
§Patent number US 9,370,763 B2