Air purification filters for indoor spaces reduce the risk of infection

Everyone knows it. Everyone has it. The FFP2 mask. It protects us from aerosols expelled by our fellow humans when speaking and breathing. It also protects others from aerosols, which are fine droplets in the exhaled air that we emit ourselves. Currently, we need to protect ourselves from these aerosols because they are the vehicle through which the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) is transmitted. The function of a mouth-nose protection is quite simple. In a particle-reducing filter, particles and aerosols are absorbed in the tight mesh of the filter medium, removed from the exhaled air, and thus the risk of infection is significantly reduced.

But not everywhere can FFP2 masks be worn for long periods (e.g., in kindergartens, schools, or offices – or when a gradual reopening is to be carried out: in restaurants). Nevertheless, the use of air purification systems based on filters, which are just as effective as FFP2 masks, can drastically reduce the number of aerosol droplets in the room air. Similar filters are used in these filtration systems, just like in FFP2 masks.

The company Spetec GmbH, a manufacturer of clean air filtration systems with many years of experience, has now developed filter boxes that can be used to purify indoor air. The core of these filter boxes is the integrated filter with a particularly large surface area of the HEPA filter class H14. With this, 99.995% of these particles can be captured – based on a particle size of 0.12 μm.(1) HEPA filters are highly efficient air filters, also used for filtering cabin air in airplanes. When particles and aerosols are filtered out of the ambient air, viruses, bacteria, yeast and mold spores, as well as pollen and flower dust, are significantly reduced. The benefit is obvious: the infection risk is minimized through germ-free air, and allergy sufferers can breathe easier again.

Experts recommend that for effective protection against Covid-19, at least a 6-fold air exchange of the room volume per hour should be ensured.(2,3) Based on this knowledge, Spetec air purification systems are designed for rooms up to 100 sqm. For larger rooms, multiple air purifiers can be operated in parallel.

The mentioned filter boxes are offered in two different versions: as a mobile box (Clean Boy Office, Series Susi (Super Silent)) and as a ceiling-hanging module (FMS Office, Series Susi). The Clean Boy Office device is delivered on wheels and made of high-pressure laminate with a wood look. Both modules are not only ideal for use in manufacturing rooms but are also particularly suitable for offices, waiting rooms, or restaurants. They are unobtrusive companions, as even at full load, the noise level remains below what is typical in a normal office environment. The additional name "Super Silent" is therefore more than justified.

Both systems create a particle- and aerosol-reduced room climate, where you can feel as safe from infection as you do when wearing an FFP2 mask.

(1) The filter performance has been certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA)
(2) Hessenschau from 15.10.2020 – "Researchers recommend air filters in schools"
(3) Spiegel interview from 30.10.2020 – "Mobile room air filters – the winter wonder weapon"