Eschmann Technologies has launched a new air disinfection system developed by Novaerus to help protect dentists against the spread of airborne viruses such as COVID-19.
The portable units, which could help thousands of UK dentists go back to work following the Government’s social distancing measures, use patented plasma technology to eradicate pathogens.
Novaerus reduces the amount of bioburden in the air, in turn reducing surface bacteria, infections and odours, making dental working environments much safer for clinicians and patients.
Air is drawn into the units by the internal fan, where contaminants are rapidly and safely destroyed at DNA level by an ultra-low energy plasma field generated by an internal coil. Healthy air, free of all contaminants, is then returned to the room.
COVID-19 has highlighted to the world that measures are urgently needed to minimise cross-infection and Novaerus provides this missing element
The technology has been independently tested to reduce MS2 Bacteriophage, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), by 99.99%. It is also proven to reduce other pathogens and airborne bacteria, including measles, influenza, C-diff, mould spores, dust mites, and pollen.
Although hand hygiene and surface disinfection are seen as the international gold standard for infection control in healthcare environments; the quality of the air that circulates within these places has long been overlooked.
And this is especially relevant in dental practices, which were ranked the most-damaging work environment to a person’s health by the Business Insider.
Sean Brennan, UK business director at Eschmann Technologies, said: “Cleaning the air is a fundamental component of managing infectious outbreaks, especially in dental practices, where the air circulating within the surgery will be heavily contaminated – a result of the aerosols created by the high-speed instruments used in routine treatment.
“COVID-19 has highlighted to the world that measures are urgently needed to minimise cross-infection and Novaerus provides this missing element.”
Developed and manufactured in Ireland by Novaerus, the air disinfection units are compliant with EU regulations.
Cleaning the air is a fundamental component of managing infectious outbreaks, especially in dental practices, where the air circulating within the surgery will be heavily contaminated
The technology is available in three configurations – the largest takes in 900 cubic metres of air in an hour, and the smallest 80 cubic metres.
The units can be free-standing, or in the case of the two smaller units, wall mounted or placed on any surface, and can be used in clinics, reception areas, bathrooms, and staff rooms to provide healthier, cleaner air.
Brennan said: “The risk to human life as a result of this global pandemic has never been so stark.
“Novaerus employs a non-selective, rapid-killing technology, offering a unique and safe solution to kill airborne viruses 24/7.
“We want to keep dentists and their patients safe and help them get back to work as quickly as possible.”