Two British dentists are helping the fight against COVID-19 after creating an air purification device which destroys 99.9% of airborne viruses.
CEO Dr Connor Bryant set up MedicAir with COO Dr Priyam Patel in 2019 to kill and remove airborne viruses including influenza as well as reducing the impact of hay fever, asthma and allergic reactions to pet and dust dander.
Specially created for the dental profession, Surrey-based MedicAir ramped up production at the onset of COVID-19 and was immediately invited to install the units in the NHS and private sector units in most major UK cities.
It has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that viruses are released as part of the exhalation process, as well as whilst talking and coughing.
During such processes, the micro droplets are extremely small and can remain airborne for long periods. A typical 5-μm droplet will likely travel tens of metres before settling to the ground.
Using ultra-high 24w power UVC technology, 360-degree air intake and a five-stage filtration process, clinical trials show that in just 30 minutes, MedicAir removes 99.9% of invisible allergens and viruses conveyed in the air within an area of 27.5 m^3. This includes well-known surrogates of COVID-19.
“We are passionate about clean air and believe it is a fundamental human right. Clearly, it took a pandemic for many of us to realise just how important clean, hygienic air is and we now need to shift our focus from reactionary to preventative,” said Dr Bryant.
“Our products, which are available across the UK, most of Europe, US and Australia, are already significantly disrupting the impact of airborne viruses such as influenza and of course COVID and our ideal is to ensure safe air in all indoor spaces to give maximum health protection and peace of mind.”
Consumer awareness of the benefits of clean air has driven the company to expand into many sectors, including hospitals, hospitality, retail, office spaces and education.
Increasing public concern for air quality particularly within medical facilities, schools, offices, and restaurants is behind the company’s rapid growth, which from January to May this year has resulted in a YOY growth of 1,000%.
MedicAir is already safeguarding and transforming vulnerable spaces such as care homes, hospitals and offices as life slowly returns to normality.
The device operates with the same power as a standard fan – just 60w through any suitable plug socket and operates with minimum noise.
An on-screen display shows everything from air quality levels to relative humidity and room temperature. On-board laser sensors constantly monitor the quality of the air, detecting increases in contamination and activating the unit’s motors accordingly.
The antimicrobial coated HEPA-13 filters only require changing approx. once a year which can be done simply, meaning no engineer is required – a common necessity with other air filtration systems.
Dr Bryant continued: “Combining innovative technology with outstanding design and user convenience, our sophisticated air purification system ensures the highest levels of protection and reassurance in everyday environments.
“Our products are designed to fit seamlessly into any environment, enabling the user to safely continue with everyday activities in the safe and certain knowledge of premium quality air.”
COVID-19