Air filters for immunocompromised: With the fourth... - PMRGCAuk

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Air filters for immunocompromised

Jane424 profile image
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With the fourth wave, we were thinking glumly of lockdown this winter. Then I read that UK schools are putting in HEPA and ultra violet C filters. We actually already have one on the house. Research shows these filters do kill covid. There's a very well reviewed portable model on Amazon which covers 300 square meters. We are going to put it in our sitting room in the hope we can safely see friends in doors as it gets colder.

Hope this is useful. Jane

amazon.ca/InvisiClean-Aura-...

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Jane424 profile image
Jane424
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

This may be a useful read:

which.co.uk/news/2021/07/co...

Jane424 profile image
Jane424 in reply to PMRpro

Thanks for the link. "Which " is referring to HEPA filters only, not the additional ultra violet, which needs to be C, not A or B. We will use it as an extra precaution, not use it as a primary protection. Jane

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Jane424

fda.gov/medical-devices/cor...

more reading!

Jane424 profile image
Jane424 in reply to PMRpro

Thanks so much - very helpful. I passed the links to my husband and here are his comments.Thank you!

It seems fairly certain that direct UVC exposure will inactivate the Covid virus. This applies to our existing HEPA/UVC, as it will to the filter we have ordered.

The article warns that dust etc. will reduce the effectiveness, this would not apply for either filter as the air passes the light source directly.

One of the attached links makes it clear that the filters will reduce airborne viruses but will not eliminate person-to-person transmission. This means that, by using the filters, we will reduce risk, but not eliminate it. Close contact should still be avoided.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Jane424

Exactly - my fear would be that people thought it was the perfect answer. It isn't, just another layer of help.

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans

Hi, just to clarify, there are no plans as yet to install these filters in schools across the board in England - wanted to say this in case it inferred a reduction of risk when in contact with younger folk.

Individual schools may have taken the decision to install filters but there is no UK wide guidance.

Jane424 profile image
Jane424

I gather they are trialing them in 10 schools, which gave me the idea.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Jane424

Bit like they trialled hydroxychoroquine in treating Covid! Hope they work better than it did!!!

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans in reply to Jane424

I hope they work.

I think improving ventilation in schools should be a priority.

Coffeebeans profile image
Coffeebeans

Morning, just back in work and have some updates you might be interested in.

Co2 monitor scheme rolled out to all schools, prioritising special needs schools. Doesn't mean they will be used properly though!!

Also, some technical info on your UV light is covered in the latest CIBSE guidance. (Section 6)

cibse.org/coronavirus-covid...

This guidance is the industry standard and is of interest to the layperson as well as technical experts. This is where I would go to to understand if the UV light is the right type and wavelength.

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