The Semantics of Masks and Airborne COVID Transmission

Altapure Offers Both Disinfection Systems and Cabinets

CRI has New Mobile Air Purifier

Trane has Suite of Services to Allow Buildings to be Reopened Safely

Johnson Controls Provides HVAC Systems and Filters to Fight COVID

 

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The Semantics of Masks and Airborne COVID Transmission

It can be argued that all virus transmission is through the air or feces. How does the virus arrive on surfaces? The answer is through the air. It can be argued that it is also transmitted by touching. But if the transmitter is wearing a N100 mask how does the virus get on his hands? Even with regard to feces the only transmission route is when aerosols are generated in sewage.

The argument is that coughs and sneezes do not create aerosols. At the same time there is the admission that droplets evaporate creating small aerosols. What happens to the large virus droplets from coughing or sneezing which are caught in a cloth mask? They are subject to air flow in two directions in each new breath. Do these viruses just remain welded to the cloth or are they then airborne and pass out through the large openings in a cloth mask?

We know from studies discussed in our interview with PathO3Gen Solutions that viruses become airborne from surfaces and that is why a foot sanitizer is effective. Why is a mask surface different than a floor? In fact the floor is not subject to air flowing through it in two directions.

The changing rooms in Wuhan hospitals had higher virus levels than some of the isolation rooms. The conclusion was that viruses were conveyed from the surfaces of clothing into the room air.

One of the advantages of tracking all the technology solutions is to use the knowledge from one to better understand another. In this case we come to the question of whether wearing a cloth mask which captures sneezes and coughs just delays the entry of the virus into the air; whereas an N95 mask would prevent its entry.

For the last six months we have been reporting daily on great stories in STAT, Vox, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the NY Times as well as medical publications.  Associations and governments have also been a good source. However we have come to a point where most of the information is now just a review of case studies or research which has been documented in multiple journals.

It seems time to use the engineering approach typical in the cleanroom, air pollution, and industrial hygiene engineering and make relevant hypotheses from the available information. One criticism of the reluctance of WHO to identify air borne transmission as a source was that there was no absolute evidence about other modes of transmission either. At some point logic has to take precedence.

Altapure Offers Both Disinfection Systems and Cabinets

With an efficient vaporization system Altapure can use less hydrogen peroxide and achieve superior results in disinfecting masks and instruments. Treatment can also be applied to the interior surfaces of HVAC ducts where studies show viruses deposit.

Altapure believes that the EPA’s 3 log reduction requirement for virucidal claims is dangerously low because of potential higher viral loading on surfaces in hospitals with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and especially with N95 mask use in hospital areas that could be heavily saturated with Coronavirus particles in the air, especially over time with reused N95 masks, and this EPA standard should be reevaluated by an international panel of independent professionals.

The data from the two (2) independent peer reviewed studies shown below, show Altapure’s performance when treating N95 masks either in Altapure’s disinfection cabinet or in a treatment room:

a) Coronavirus - Obtain a >6 log reduction for N95 mask filter materials contaminated with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 (due to surrogate kill data below).

b) Bacteriophage MS2 - Obtain a >6 log reduction for N95 mask filter materials contaminated with a 6 log reduction for the bacteriophage MS2, which is a surrogate for coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

c) MRSA - Obtain a >6 log reduction for N95 mask filter materials contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

d) C. difficile spores - Obtain a >6 log reduction for N95 mask filter materials contaminated with C. difficile spores, on N95 mask filter materials.

e) G. stearothermophilus spores - Obtain a 6 log reduction for N95 mask filter materials contaminated with G. stearothermophilus Spores.

 

Advantages Of Using Altapure For N95 Mask and PPE Disinfection & Decontamination

a) Onsite Treatment - Can rapidly disinfect and decontaminate N95 masks and PPE at healthcare facilities.

b) Results & Safety – Enhanced +6 Log reduction for Corona virus on N95 masks increases the safety and confidence level of the treatment outcome and meets the EPA’s highest performance criteria.

c) Speed - Rapid turnover of thousands of disinfected N95 masks in only 76 minutes.

d) No Shared N95 Masks – Healthcare staff can quickly get their personal form fitted masks and gear back after disinfection.

e) Volume - Can safely disinfect at least 2,000 N95 respirators in a (2447 cu. ft) volume room.

f) Scalability – This process is scalable and can be set up in real-world hospital settings.

g) Non-toxic – Peracetic Acid does not linger on surfaces and it rapidly biodegrades into its base elements of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid (vinegar), which then quickly fall apart into water, oxygen and carbon dioxide.

h) Vapor Free – No detectable off-gassing from the treated masks after the disinfection cycle.

i) Full Viral Disinfection - Log 6 reduction for coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on N95 mask surfaces far exceeds the EPA’s requirements of only 3 Log reduction, significantly increasing viricidal safety.

j) Full Pathogen Disinfection - Log 6 reduction for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), C. difficile spores, and G. stearothermophilus spores, on N95 mask surfaces, meeting the EPA’s highest performance standards.

k) Dual Hospital Use - The AP-4 HLDS system can also be repurposed for terminal disinfection of patient rooms when it is not being used to disinfect N95 masks and PPE.

l) Cellulose Safe - Compatible for use with cellulose-containing masks and PPE materials, unlike va rized hydrogen peroxide (VHP).

Altapure's multipurpose high-level disinfection cabinet (MPDC-1 ™) decontaminated all of the N95 masks hanging within and achieved full disinfection for all of the N95 masks with a 31-minute cycle.

CRI has New Mobile Air Purifier

Cleanrooms International has introduced Guardiair with  a capability to purify 600 cfm with HEPA filtration. Alternatively ULPA filters and UV disinfection can be added. The unit can be conveniently placed in restaurants, offices, and other space.

A replaceable MERV 8 filter is included.  Delivery time is 4-6 weeks.

Trane has Suite of Services to Allow Buildings to be Reopened Safely

Trane Technologies recently introduced a new suite of services to help building owners and operators bring people back indoors with confidence.

“It’s a different world for buildings and those who run them,” said Donny Simmons, president, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies. “Building operators must plan to safely welcome back employees, tenants and customers while balancing new realities. They need a trusted partner who understands the impact of indoor air quality, where to make investments, and how to make buildings more sustainable. Trane can help make the process easier and safer for building owners and occupants alike.”

The four new service offerings – Trane^® Indoor Air Quality Assessment; Trane^® System Startup; Trane^® Energy Checkup; and Trane^® Remote Services – align to the latest HVAC industry guidelines and can be customized and scaled to meet the specific needs of each building.

“Every building is unique and deserves a proper assessment by trained professionals – especially as buildings emerge from unplanned states of vacancy or reduced occupancy,” said Simmons. “Trane professionals take into account the building’s purpose, age, condition, climate and occupancy trends, and identify opportunities to improve indoor air quality conditions and building performance in line with a building owner’s broader goals.”

System Startup Services  “Just as many homeowners have their residential HVAC systems serviced before use each season, it’s important that buildings’ mechanical systems are thoroughly checked and maintained after long periods of vacancy, with consideration to ventilation, airflow and humidity,” said Simmons.

Trane^® System Startup is a comprehensive examination of a building’s HVAC system and its main components to ensure reliable operation at optimal levels. Trane technicians and engineers provide a comprehensive review of the building’s system and then test, clean and address any HVAC system performance issues to help enable healthier, comfortable and efficient indoor environments.

Indoor Air Quality Assessment  Indoor air quality matters more than ever, and tenants, employees and customers want to know facilities are prepared for their return.

The Trane^® Indoor Air Quality Assessment is a fact-based, data-driven analysis of how effectively a building’s indoor air quality adheres to current industry recommendations for operating HVAC systems. Trane technicians and engineers will examine and provide relevant data in critical areas that influence indoor air quality. Where possible, Trane can conduct the assessment remotely through the building automation system (BAS). Building operators will receive actionable data and insights about the building’s overall air quality to implement immediately or plan for future investment.

HEPA filters and UV light systems can sanitize the air, but the upgrades could be a burden on already cash-strapped businesses.

The adjustments can be expensive, and simply upgrading the filter can be counterproductive if there’s not enough power to move the air through it.

“It’s not just about changing a filter,” says Dave Regnery of Trane Technologies. “You may have to change a fan as well so you can have more pressure flowing through the air as you increase the filtration.”

Trane recently upgraded  filters on 15 air handling systems at a NY area museum and disinfected coils in preparation for the reopening of the museum.  Michael Zikoski of Trane acknowledged that it is a financial burden  but a necessary one.

Remote Services  Businesses can consider lower-touch and remote building services to more effectively manage their building from afar. Trane^® Remote Services provide reduced-contact building maintenance and management through connected building automation systems. Technology advancements continue to expand the tasks that once required a service truck and on-site support.

Remote Diagnostic Services and Remote Service Specialists act as a “second set of eyes” to monitor and support HVAC system performance remotely 24/7. Trane remote specialists can handle most standard HVAC service tasks without an on-site visit. If on-site work is required, remote diagnostics help to ensure the technician is prepared with the right tools and parts to resolve in a single visit, resulting in reduced downtime and fewer on-site visitors.

Energy Check-Up  Energy efficiency is a fundamental part of any sustainability program and offers short- and long-term benefits for businesses, building occupants and the environment. An efficient building is better able to maintain consistent comfort and optimized indoor air quality for increased resiliency and stability; yet, many of the same enhancements that improve indoor air quality can increase energy use.

Johnson Controls Provides HVAC Systems and Filters to Fight COVID

 Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO, George Oliver, reaffirmed that the company is delivering "essential products, services and personnel" during the COVID-19 pandemic. “At times like these, it is critically important to reach out and let people know that we are here and that we continue to help hospitals, pharmacies and other essential businesses as needed to continue their operations,” said Oliver. 

Johnson Controls first responded to the developing crisis in Wuhan, China where its local personnel immediately worked to fulfill the urgent need for new hospitals.

As the crisis evolved, the Company implemented local and regional contingency plans across the globe assuring employee safety and customer support. Johnson Controls service teams continue to support critical infrastructure while the Company’s offices, branches and manufacturing facilities remain open and operational with increased sanitation practices and restricted visitor policies, except where prohibited by law.  

The Company is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a critical manufacturer.

“As a global company, we have been addressing this crisis from the very start and we are proud of our frontline leadership responding in every corner of the world to support our customers,” said Oliver. These are tough times, but the notes from first responders, nurses and all those serving on the frontline are extremely motivating. In periods of crisis there are always stories of incredible resilience.”

Oliver pledged to local and state officials the company will do whatever is needed to keep essential products, services, and personnel up and running.

Among the critical building infrastructure offerings Johnson Controls provides are:

• HVAC – These products and services are essential to hospitals and operating rooms and are necessary to continue to run almost all of the Critical Infrastructure Sectors recognized by the Department of Homeland Security. Properly ventilated buildings are critical to improve air quality and prevent the spread of disease and secondary infection. The World Health Organization has issued guidance that underscores this point:  CLICK HERE TO VIEW. Johnson Controls believes It is essential to maintain these systems and keep them in service where people continue to live and work. 

• Industrial Refrigeration – Johnson Controls says its equipment in this category is essential in many industries, from food and beverage processing to the petrochemical industries, both recognized as Critical Infrastructure Sectors. 

• Security - Johnson Controls says its security systems are even more critical now to ensure essential facilities are safe and secure. Security cameras, access control and other security systems are vital to protect people, infrastructure and inventory. 

• Fire – Fire systems and services must be maintained to keep people and property safe, from fire detection products through sprinkler systems and portable fire extinguishing equipment.

Johnson Controls owns Trion, Koch and Envirco. All have air treatment products for COVID Envirco has portable filter systems.

The Hospi-Gard® IsoClean® is a portable, self-contained high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system designed to easily and economically create a negative pressure isolation room/environment that will meet OSHA and CDC TB guidelines.

The IsoClean® can be used as a positive pressure clean air recirculating system in clinics, waiting rooms, hospital emergency rooms and other confined areas or as a partial or complete exhausting system to create a negative pressure isolation room for possible use with patients known or suspected of having TB, SARS or other infectious diseases. As a recirculating unit, the IsoClean®’s powerful motor/blower can deliver from 560 CFM (951 m3/hr) up to 800 CFM (1359 m3/hr) to provide a large number of room air changes per hour to minimize the spread of airborne diseases to patients and health care workers.

As a negative pressure unit, the air passing through the HEPA filter is cleansed of 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 micron and may be exhausted directly to the exterior through a window, or through a wall simply by connecting flexible ducting to the 6 in. (152 mm) collar located on the top of the IsoClean®.

The Hospi-Gard® IsoClean® filter contains 220 square feet (20.4 square meters) of media to extend its usable lifetime before filter loading occurs, resulting in decreased cost and fewer filter changes.

Features

• Low cost isolation room
• Flexible applications: clean air recirculating unit, negative pressure unit, or split system
• Small and portable
• 3-speed adjustable airflow
• 24 room air changes per hour
• Quiet operation: 52 dBA on low, 56 dBA on medium, and 60 dBA on high (measured 30 inches from face of unit)
• Low-high clean air circulation pattern
• Easily accessible HEPA filter and prefilter
• UL 507 E152685 on standard unit

Koch Filter provides pre filters and HEPA filters. BioMAX HEPA HC is a range of High Capacity HEPA Filters for hospital, commercial, and industrial applications.

• Available in three efficiencies on 0.3 micron size particles: (99.97%, 99.99% HEPA) and (99.999% ULPA)
• Standard and high capacity models
• Standard construction is galvanized steel cell sides or particle board cell sides
• Multiple cell side options
• Factory tested for efficiency and performance

BioMAX HEPA filters are designed to provide the highest level of filtration available for commercial and industrial applications. They are widely used in hospitals, clean rooms, pharmaceutical plants, and in hundreds of other systems where clean air is critical in the protection of people, processes, and equipment.