Air purification vs. Covid-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on global health. More than 50 million individuals were exposed to the virus in 2020. And more than 1.5 million died as a result of respiratory ailments.
According to a study, wearing a mask properly and maintaining an excellent social distance can significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
However, concerns regarding aerosol transfer have led many people to opt for air purifiers. So, how do various types of air purifiers work? Do any of them have any effect on COVID-19? Should you purchase one for your home?
Let’s have a look at how you may use an air purifier to help protect yourself against the fatal Coronavirus, in addition to following the fundamental precautions and guidelines.
What exactly is Covid-19?
Coronaviruses are viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans.
The virus’s multiple crown-like spikes on its surface inspired the name “corona.”
Human illnesses caused by coronavirus include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the common cold.
COVID-19, a novel coronavirus strain, was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus has since spread to all continents (except Antarctica).
As of October 28, 2021, 4,987,910 persons had died as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic. By separating people from the outside world, this virus has wrecked the entire world’s mechanism.
Since the pandemic, the entire world order has shifted. E-commerce stores have replaced retail establishments and shopping malls. Zoom sessions have taken over in schools. Work-from-home culture has emerged as a result of the transformation of office jobs.
Through scientific and medical investigations, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are accumulating information and continually refining their understanding of how this deadly virus spreads.
What is the specific mechanism by which Covid-19 spreads?
COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is a potentially fatal infection.
When the virus gets into contact with mucous membranes, such as those found in the eyes, nose, and mouth, it can cause illness and even death.
Like measles and influenza, COVID-19 is also a viral infection that can be transmitted through aerosols.
It can, however, be transferred through other conventional routes, such as:
- The virus spreads in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or breathes near you (within six feet). This is expected to be the major means of spreading COVID-19.
- When the virus spreads in small respiratory droplets that remain in the air for minutes to hours after an infected individual has moved more than six feet away or has already left the region. This mechanism of transmission is more likely to occur in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation.
- Close physical contact (touching, shaking hands) with an infected person.
- By coming into contact with virus-infected surfaces, then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands.
Governments, health groups, researchers, and healthcare providers are all working together to develop rules and procedures that will prevent the virus from spreading both worldwide and from person to person.
What does an air purifier filter for Covid-19 do?
Mechanical air purifiers capture pollutants using mesh filters, which are generally constructed of glass or specialized synthetic fibers.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and HyperHEPA filters are two types of mechanical air purification filters.
Mechanical filtration is the most effective and safest method of eliminating airborne pollutants.
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants such as viruses in a home or restricted setting.
In contrast, a portable air cleaner is insufficient to protect humans from COVID-19.
Using an air cleaner in conjunction with other actions recommended by doctors and the government can be part of a comprehensive approach to protect yourself and your family.
A lot of commercial buildings also have commercial grade air purifier installed to ensure a safe and secure environment for the bunch of people there.
To be effective at removing viruses from the air, an air cleaner must be able to remove airborne particles.
Manufacturers provide Air Purifier for Covid using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
HEPA filter versus Covid
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the industry standard for air filter efficiency.
High-efficiency particle absorption filters and high-efficiency particulate arrestance filters are other names for them.
Filters that meet the HEPA standard must have a certain level of efficiency.
A HEPA air filter must remove at least 99.95 percent of particles. The diameter must be equivalent to 0.3 m from the air that flows through it.
HEPA filters catch pollen, filth, dust, moisture, bacteria, viruses, and submicron liquid aerosol.
A HEPA bag filter, in combination with a pre-filter, can be used to increase the life of a more expensive HEPA filter (typically carbon-activated).
This is a common phenomenon in air-handling equipment.
A good air purifier by a renowned company can help you save yourself and your loved ones from this deadly virus.
Conclusion
Many guidelines have been released on how to build a clean and healthy atmosphere after covid. Is there, nevertheless, a post-covid world?
What should be remembered is that as simple as it may sound, air purifiers should not be utilized as the first line of defense against viruses. The first lines of protection should be social isolation, masking, and impeccable cleaning.
A good air purifier with a HEPA filter, on the other hand, can filter airborne ultrafine particles, including viruses like COVID-19, which is a crucial feature of a virus-prevention strategy.
Viruses can be captured using filters designed for minute particles, but this does not provide comprehensive protection because airborne transmission is only one-way viruses spread.
Even the most effective air filters are ineffective in preventing this fatal illness.
So, keep safe at home. Adopt the safety measures and precautions issued by the doctors and health officials to ensure a healthy living.
COVID-19 FAQs
- IS COVID-19 MORE DANGEROUS THAN FLU?
Yes. When compared to influenza, COVID-19 has a greater prevalence of serious sickness and fatality in practically every age group (flu). - HOW DOES COVID-19 DIFFERENTIATE FROM OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS?
This is highly dependent on where individuals live and how old they are, with some parts of the world being hit more than others and certain age groups, such as the elderly, being more affected. Even in countries where the COVID-19 death rate appears to be low, the indirect impact of reduced health services, vaccine supply shortages, and reluctance to seek medical treatment due to infection fear is having a drastic impact and putting tens of millions of people at risk – including children and newborns. - ARE MASKS EFFECTIVE, AND DO THEY ALSO NEED TO COVER MY NOSE?
Wearing a mask is a very easy and efficient means of reducing transmission and saving lives. The degree of protection is determined by the type of mask, how effectively it is worn, and other aspects such as the behavior of persons wearing it and the behavior of air droplets in various environments. - WOULD HERD IMMUNITY BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT VACCINES?
Historically, mass vaccination has been the most effective method of achieving herd immunity. This is a far safer path to choose because the alternative is for around 60% of the population to be infected with COVID-19, essentially leaving the virus unregulated. - HOW CAN WE BELIEVE IN VACCINES THAT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED SO QUICKLY?
COVID-19 vaccines were created and manufactured in record time, but it also required unprecedented amounts of finance and global collaboration to combat a global problem. So far, all COVID-19 vaccines that have been licensed have passed significant clinical trials with stringent safety protocols, with no serious safety concerns highlighted.
