We might now have another tool at our disposal to stop the spread of COVID-19 in close-quarter environments that lack decent ventilation
over the last two years shows a considerable risk for COVID-19 spread and transmission associated with public transport. Part of the problem lies in many existing airflow systems—particularly heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems—designed to recycle and block air particles but not prevent pathogen spread. This is in contrast to HEPA filters, like those used on planes, which clean the air before recycling.
The researchers installed their CHDG-modified filters in standard HVAC systems within several passenger train cars running on the UK railway network. They retrieved the filters after three months and found zero traces of bacteria or fungi. Since HVAC systems are found nearly everywhere from single-family homes, industrial buildings, public transport, and even cars, overhauling them completely would be costly. But a simple upgrade and improved pathogen-fighting efficiency can be achieved by applying CHDG, Felicity de Cogan, a material scientist at the University of Birmingham and a co-author of the study, told The Daily Beast in an email.
And another plus is that CHDG doesn’t degrade over time, so there’s no chance of any environmental risks. And it may potentially be incorporated into or on a mask to boost protection against airborne diseases, although the exact effectiveness is hard to say for sure without testing, de Cogan said. De Cogan is already working with the University of Birmingham’s spinout company, NitroPep Ltd., to develop her group’s antimicrobial filters for commercial use. In the near future, CHDG might become an enormously useful part of how we improve the tools in our arsenal meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as other airborne pathogens.
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