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Because it is a relatively new virus in humans, information about coronavirus associated with COVID-19 is still relatively limited and research is ongoing to establish the ways in which it is transmitted and how it affects the human body. Some of this new research focusing on transmission is suggesting that the virus new spread as an aerosol, potentially allowing it to spread much farther than previously believed. Here's what you need to know about this ongoing research and what it could mean for the current pandemic.  

What Have the New Studies Found?

  The research suggesting aerosol transmission of coronavirus centers mostly on two major studies. The first was a paper published in March in the New England Journal of Medicine that established the new coronavirus strain was able to survive in airborne aerosols for at least 3 hours under the right conditions. Although the paper showed viability in aerosol form, the experiment was conducted by mechanically creating the aerosol.   More recent research from the University of Nebraska, however, provides more evidence that the COVID-19 coronavirus could be traveling from person-to-person in an aerosolized form. These new findings resulted from a study in which the areas around active COVID-19 patients were monitored for viral contamination. In that study, researchers found viral contamination in the air and in the hallways outside of patient rooms. These findings indicated that COVID-19 patients could be producing the kind of aerosols originally found to be viable in the earlier NEJM paper.  

Droplets Vs. Aerosol: What's the Difference?

  On the surface, droplets and aerosols may sound similar, but there is an important distinction. Droplets are larger particles of moisture, typically produced when coughing or sneezing. They are large enough that they fall to the ground or onto nearby surfaces shortly after being ejected from a patient, as they do not have enough time to evaporate before gravity pulls them down.   Aerosols, on the other hand, are much smaller and can be formed through normal exhalation. They evaporate before falling to the ground, thus allowing tiny particles in them (such as viruses), to become airborne. These particles are then free to travel much farther than they could in droplets, as evidenced by the finding of viral contamination outside the rooms of COVID-19 patients in the University of Nebraska study.  

What Do These New Findings Mean?

  Up to now, health officials have mostly focused on the spread of coronavirus through droplets. Prevention guidelines such as the 6-foot social distancing rule and the recommendation to wear a cloth facial covering outside of the home are geared toward preventing droplet spread, since droplets can't travel especially far and can't easily pass through even a non-medical grade barrier.   Aerosol spread would mean that COVID-19 is both more difficult to prevent and more transmissible than previously thought. In light of recent evidence suggesting that at least 1 in 4 cases of COVID-19 is asymptomatic, aerosol transmission would also make it likely that a person carrying the disease could easily infect many others without ever realizing it.  

How Certain Is This New Research?

  To be clear, the NEJM paper and the new findings from the University of Nebraska provide only circumstantial evidence that viable coronaviruses could be spreading as aerosols. As the U of N release itself notes, further research is needed to definitively prove that the COVID-19 coronavirus is spreading in this way. Experts have also cautioned that it could be years before the transmission pathway of this virus is fully mapped.    

With cases continuing to rise in the US and worldwide, we're all looking for the most effective ways to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from COVID-19. While information is still limited because of the novel nature of this virus, public health officials and research universities have learned quite a bit about the new coronavirus in recent months. In this blog post, we'd like to share some of the top recommendations on coronavirus protection from the world's leading authorities.  

1. Practice Rigorous Social Distancing

  One of the principle ways in which coronavirus spreads is through droplets in the air created when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To limit your risks of contracting the virus from these droplets, experts from the CDC recommend maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other people, especially if you're outside of your home. The six-foot distance is enough for larger droplets to fall out of the air, making it less likely that you'll contract the virus from them.   Social distancing also means avoiding groups of people as much as possible. Don't gather together with family or friends, and don't attend any events with people who live outside of your household. If you have to go to the grocery store or perform other essential tasks, consider going at non-peak hours when foot traffic is likely to be a bit lighter.  

2. Wash Your Hands Correctly

  More than ever, it's critical to practice proper hand-washing if you're going to keep yourself healthy. Coronavirus can live on surfaces for up to several days, meaning that you can easily pick it up by touching a surface previously touched by an infected person. Rigorous hand-washing can kill pathogens on your hand. Johns Hopkins University recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you're going to use a hand sanitizer, be sure to select one that is at least 60 percent alcohol, since lower concentrations will not kill the virus.  

3. Sanitize Surfaces, Including Things You Have Delivered

  Needless to say, sanitizing surfaces is another good way to keep yourself protected. From door handles to shopping carts at the grocery store, you should be carefully sanitizing everything that could potentially carry viral RNA. If at all possible, try to carry a package of disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer with you, since you may have to clean surfaces on the go.   This careful cleaning is especially important when you're having something delivered to your home, as many of us are doing more of our shopping online these days. According to Johns Hopkins University, RNA from the current strain of coronavirus can be detected on plastic surfaces for up to 72 hours after contact, while metal and cardboard surfaces hold it for about 48 hours. So, if you're having something delivered to your home in a cardboard box or plastic bag, it's a good idea to "quarantine" that item long enough for the virus on the surface to die off or to thoroughly disinfect the item before opening it.  

4. Don't Touch Your Face (Seriously!)

  Look, we all have trouble with this one, but it's important. From scratching itchy noses to brushing hair to the side, most of us touch our faces dozens if not hundreds of times each day. According to guidelines published by the World Health Organization, touching your face allows any viruses that may have ended up on your hands from a contaminated surface to more easily pass into your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. Even though it will take some effort on your part, it's critical to avoid touching your face, especially if you haven't washed or sanitized your hands immediately beforehand.  

5. Wear a Mask When You Leave the House

  This piece of advice has shifted a bit since the start of the pandemic. At first, health officials were not recommending the use of face coverings out of concern that respirator masks and surgical masks would run out for healthcare professionals. Recent evidence, however, has established that many carriers of COVID-19 are either asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, allowing seemingly healthy people to spread the disease when they go out into public. As a supplemental measure to existing social distancing guidelines, the CDC is now recommending the use of cloth face coverings in public places.   To be very clear, this recommendation does not mean you should wear an N95 respirator mask or surgical mask when you leave the house. These masks are essential pieces of medical equipment that should be reserved for healthcare workers and those most at risk. The current recommendation suggests use of a piece of cloth, such as a scarf, to cover the mouth and nose and prevent droplet spread. If you're crafty and don't mind putting a little effort, you can check out this simple mask template and instructions from the Philadelphia Inquirer.  

6. If in Doubt, Stay at Home

  Last but not least, it's important to stay at home if you think there's any chance at all that you might have picked up a viral infection or if you have interacted with someone who may have. Even if you only have a slight cough or a runny nose, it's critical to remain at home until you are over it in order to prevent further spread of the disease. Remember, even though we're mostly reading about cases in which severe symptoms develop, it's estimated that at least 1 in 4 cases remain asymptomatic, while many more present with only very mild symptoms. If you have any suspicion at all that you might be sick, play it safe and quarantine yourself for the recommended 14-day period.   These guidelines, coupled with the use of a little common sense, are the best known methods health officials around the world have agreed upon for slowing down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We strongly recommend that all of our readers implement these guidelines in order to keep themselves and others safe as the world continues to grapple with this increasing disruptive virus. Remember, we're all in this together!

Over the course of the last month, we've written several articles about air purifiers we believe can reduce the risk of coronavirus in the home. While there are no guarantees when it comes to this novel virus, we've been reviewing the units we sell in order to find the best options for affording yourself and your family some measure of protection at home. In this post, we'll be taking a look at the Field Controls TRIO, a medical-grade air purifier that's a long-standing favorite here at US Air Purifiers.  

What Makes the Field Controls TRIO a Candidate for COVID-19 Protection?

  To start with, the TRIO features a hospital-grade HEPA air filter as one of its several filtration stages. As we've discussed in previous posts, HEPA filters can capture incredibly tiny particles, including larger viruses, through a process known as diffusion, in which these particles become entangled in filter fibers. The CDC also recommends HEPA filtration for use in facilities dealing with COVID-19 patients.   Beyond these HEPA capabilities, though, the Field Controls TRIO also has other mechanisms for targeting bacteria and viruses. Specifically, the TRIO makes use of a UV germicidal lamp. The application of ultraviolet light is a proven mechanism for deactivating viruses and bacteria, as the light disrupts chemical bonds in their DNA structures.   The TRIO doesn't stop there. In this particular air purifier's UV system, a phenomenon called photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is leveraged. In PCO systems, UV light is passed through a chemical photocatalyst, in this case titanium dioxide. The application of ultraviolet light to such a catalyst generates hydroxyl radicals, which are oxidizing in nature. When these radicals come into contact with bacteria, viruses and other biologicals being pulled through the air purifier, they are ultimately destroyed by them.  

Other Air Purifiers for Coronavirus Protection

  As we noted earlier, this is one of several articles we've put together about air purifiers that may be useful in reducing the coronavirus load in your home air. Below, you'll find links to other articles in this series, organized by brand:  

• Amaircare
• Airpura
• AllerAir
• Austin Air
• BetterAir
• IQAir

  As always, it's important to remember that the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads both through airborne transmission and through contact with contaminated surfaces. While the use of a high-quality air purifier may help to reduce the concentration of the virus in the air, it will not be able to capture the viruses attached to contaminated surfaces. As such, use of an air purifier should always be combined with other measures, including rigorous social distancing, hand sanitizing and thorough disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces. For a full rundown of the steps you should be taking to keep yourself and your family safe, we strongly encourage all of our readers to visit the CDC's official coronavirus prevention page and to follow the guidelines discussed there.

While most people think of air purifiers as devices used in the home, they're also very important for a wide range of businesses. Using air purification in the workplace can help to keep employees and customers healthy and prevent contaminants from lingering in the air. The problem, though, is that many businesses that really should be using office air purifiers can't afford to buy them outright. Luckily, we've solved this problem by offering a business financing program for commercial air purifiers! Here's what you need to know about using air purifiers in the workplace and how our financing options can help your company get the air cleaning technology it needs.  

Why Do Businesses Need Air Purification?

  Companies may find themselves needing air purifiers for several different reasons. Many businesses use them simply to promote a healthier environment for their employees and customers. Interestingly, an air purifier can pay for itself it terms of keeping employees healthy. The average employee takes about 4.9 sick days each year, and that time costs employers both in terms of paid time off and lost productivity. By reducing the chances of employees getting sick, your business can operate more efficiently year-round.   For some businesses, air purifiers are considered essential equipment. Machine shops, hair salons and cannabis dispensaries, to name just a few, fall into this category. For these businesses, fumes or other dangerous contaminants created in the course of their normal operations must be removed to prevent dangerous working conditions. Most businesses of this sort are legally required to use some form of air cleaning technology, with guidelines that are usually set under federal or state laws.   Finally, some business owners choose to use specific types of air purifiers because they or their employees have unique sensitivities. Business owners with chemical sensitivities, COPD or asthma may require air purifiers in the workplace to remain fully productive or choose to use them in order to accommodate sensitive employees.    

Looking at Air Purifiers as a Business Investment

  As you can see, there are many reasons for businesses to use air purifiers, but most of them ultimately relate back to maintaining a safe, healthy work environment in which employees can be maximally productive. In this light, an air purifier can be seen as a business investment like any other.   With that said, commercial grade air purifiers can be quite expensive, making it difficult for smaller businesses to buy them outright. For a smaller company working on a shoestring budget, spending $1,000 or more on an air purification system simply isn't practical. Fortunately, this is where our business financing options come into play!  

Advantages of Business Financing for Air Purifiers

  The main advantage of using our business financing option to purchase an air purifier is that it can allow you to buy a unit that would otherwise be difficult for your company to afford. For example, the Electrocorp RSU 48CC Industrial Air Scrubber normally sells for $7,198.98, a price most small businesses simply couldn't afford up front. With our commercial financing, though, this unit can be purchased on a monthly basis with a payment as low as $220.   In addition to helping your business afford the equipment it needs, financing your air purifier purchase can help build your company's credit. This is an especially important consideration for newer businesses and startups that may need loans to finance future expansion. By establishing a good credit record now, you can set your business up for growth and success going forward.  

Who's Eligible for Business Financing?

  Thanks to our financing partner, QuickSprout, most types of businesses can secure the financing they need to buy a good air purifier. Whether you're an established company or a small startup with limited credit, you can get the equipment you need on a reasonably monthly payment plan. Best of all, QuickSprout offers instant credit decisions without a purchasing obligation, meaning you won't have to wait for days or weeks to find out if your loan has been approved.  

What Air Purifiers Qualify?

  Because this program is exclusively for business use, only air purifiers with prices of $1,000 or more are qualified for commercial financing. This gives business owners access to a wide range of purifiers that can be used in workplaces of almost any size. Whether you need a commercial-grade air scrubber or just a broad-spectrum model to keep your employees healthy in a small office, we've got air purifiers that will meet your company's needs!   Still have questions about our commercial financing options or how an air purifier can benefit your business? We're here to help! Feel free to check out our business financing page or contact us with any questions you may have about our commercial financing program. We'll also be happy to provide you with product recommendations based on the unique needs of your business to ensure that you're getting the air purifier that's right for you.    

As part of our ongoing series on air purifiers for coronavirus protection, we'll be taking a look this week at IQAir's lineup of HEPA units. Thanks to unique technology, this brand's filters are capable of capturing smaller particles than most other major air purifier manufacturers, making them a good option for reducing your risks as the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread. Here's what you need to know about using IQAir air purifiers to protect yourself from the rapidly spreading COVID-19 coronavirus.  

Why IQAir?

  As we've discussed in previous articles in this series, HEPA air filters are recommended for reducing coronavirus risks. This is because of their ability to trap extremely tiny particles, including many viruses, within the filter medium via a process known as diffusion. For this reason, many health officials and healthcare providers have chosen to use high-quality HEPA air purifiers as part of their response to this crisis.   With all that said, you may be wondering what makes IQAir different from other HEPA-filtered air purifiers. The answer lies in the company's proprietary HyperHEPA technology. While the basic standard for a HEPA rating is for a filter to capture 99.97 percent of particles greater than 0.3 microns in diameter, IQAir's filters far surpass this standard. Using the company's HyperHEPA system, IQAir's units are able to filter out 99.5 percent of particles down to 0.003 microns. This makes IQAir one of the best brands for capturing extremely small airborne particles.  

Which IQAir Air Purifiers Are Best for Coronavirus Protection?

  For reducing your risk of catching or transmitting the COVID-19 coronavirus, we recommend using the IQAir HealthPro or HealthPro Plus models. Both of these HyperHEPA-equipped purifiers are good options for removing airborne particles. For more broad-spectrum protection from both particles and gaseous pollutants, consider using the IQAir GC Multigas.  

Other Air Purifiers for Coronavirus

  In order to keep our customer informed and ensure they have the widest possible range of choices, we're continuing to publish articles on air purifiers we believe can help to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread. Below, you'll find links to past blog features in this series where you can learn more about your options and find the models that are best for your home or office:  

• Amaircare
• Airpura
• BetterAir
• AllerAir
• Austin Air

  In addition to these product features, you can also check out our recent post about giving your immune system the resources it needs to help fight off coronavirus and prevent severe cases. We also encourage all of our readers to visit the CDC's official COVID-19 prevention page to learn about the steps they can take to prevent or slow the spread of this increasingly widespread epidemic.   Still have questions about how air purifiers from IQAir and other brands can help you stay safer during the COVID-19 epidemic? We're here to help. Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations that will fit your specific needs.