99,9999% of viruses gone!

Rentokil Initial is proud to announce an agreement to distribute the VIRUSKILLER™ Air Purifier range. It’s the only air purifier proven to kill 99,9999% of viruses with a single air pass, including the Coronavirus*.

Why is air purification so important?

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their websites to recognise that the Coronavirus can be transmitted from person to person via aerosols under certain conditions, including enclosed spaces, prolonged exposure to respiratory particles – generated by shouting, singing and exercising – and inadequate ventilation, which cause a build-up of suspended respiratory droplets and particles.

Although the two organisations have recognised that aerosol transmission is a risk, research commissioned by Rentokil Initial reveal that the general public is unaware of the danger. Only 22% of those surveyed were concerned about catching the virus from contaminated air.

Interestingly, the research did find that 64% were more concerned about the air quality in indoor environments now than they were before the pandemic. As a result of these concerns, 59% of consumers believe air purification systems should be mandatory in public buildings and educational facilities. Additionally, 41% believe that face masks do not do enough to protect them against catching the virus from contaminated air.

How does VIRUSKILLER™ help?

Unlike traditional air purifiers that “trap” airborne particles and microbes, the VIRUSKILLER™ also decontaminates the air. It does this by trapping and killing airborne viruses, bacteria and fungi. When placed correctly the unit takes control of the airflow in a room, drawing contaminated air in from the “breathing zone” and then releasing fresh, clean air back into the breathing zone.

Triple filtration and patented UV-C

Alongside a triple filtration system, VIRUSKILLER™ uses patented ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamps, surrounded by a mesh of chromed nano titanium dioxide tube filters that are polished with activated carbon. The emitted UV light reacts with the mesh and in a process, called photocatalytic oxidation, produces hydroxyl radicals, which act as a disinfectant and breaks down the organic molecules. This all-in-one solution effectively filters dirty air, neutralises toxic air and decontaminates sick air.

Deactivating the Coronavirus

Dr Colm Moore, area technical manager UK, Ireland and the Baltics at Rentokil Initial, says: “Unlike traditional air purification systems, the UV-C technology provides a photochemical deconstruction of the RNA and DNA of micro-organisms, deactivating their reproductive processes so that the Coronavirus, and other viruses, can no longer spread, before the air is released back into the room.

“Its ability to kill 99,9999% of viruses with a single air pass is what really sets this technology apart. Take the following scenario: if you had one million viruses passing through a VIRUSKILLER™, just a single virus would be recirculated. This compared to the 500 viruses that would pass through when using a traditional filtration device (99,95%).”

Rentokil Initial believes that as people look to resume their normal lives, VIRUSKILLER™ can offer peace of mind, since airborne transmission is far less likely in indoor environments where it is installed.

VIRUSKILLER™ will play a crucial role in helping to break the “chain of infection” by taking control of the airflow in a room. Once installed, businesses should still ensure that proper hand hygiene and social distancing measures are practised.

For more information, please contact Rentokil Initial 0800 77 77 88 or visit www.rentokil-initial.co.za.

* When independently tested against Coronavirus DF2 (a surrogate for the Coronavirus), Adenovirus, Influenza and Polio, the unit was found to kill 99.9999% of viruses on a single air pass.