A range of “ion generators” which developer Sharp Electronics says use technology proven to be “99% effective” in preventing the infectivity of airborne forms of the seasonal H1N1 influenza and H5N1 avian influenza viruses was launched in the UK last month.
Sharp says the equipment uses highdensity Plasmacluster ions “that can inhibit the effects of viruses in both stationary and airborne form”. It explains that the Plasmacluster Ion Generator (PCI) units work by separating water molecules drawn in from the surrounding air to create both positive hydrogen and negative oxygen ions. These “colliding ions” are released and become stable by clinging onto the bacterial molecules in the air, forming clusters, which are then transformed into hydroxyl (OH) groups, which “deactivate airborne particles”. Testing conducted both in Japan and by UK-based virology contract research organisation Retroscreen Virology has reportedly verified the technology’s effectiveness against the H1N1 human influenza and H5N1 avian influenza viruses, while other recent tests have demonstrated its efficacy against the Corona, SARS, Polio, and Coxsackie viruses, and MRSA and MDRP bacteria.
