Performance
VIRUSES
Norwalk Virus –This virus is a Norovirus. Noroviridae is a group of related, single-stranded RNA, highly contagious infections and the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. Known by other names such as stomach flu and food poisoning, it is responsible for 50% of food-borne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Noroviruses spread from person to person by direct contact, touching contaminated surfaces, and contaminated food and water supplies.(12)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Deactivation of > 90% of Murine Norovirus (MNV) microorganisms were achieved after 4 hours.(13)
H1N1 Virus (Swine Influenza) – The H1N1 virus is a unique strain of influenza. The Centers for Disease Control determined that the pressure contained genes from four different flu viruses – North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza, and swine influenza viruses typically found in Asia and Europe. The virus spreads from person to person by droplets from coughing and sneezing and by touching a person contaminated with the virus, then rubbing one’s eyes, nose or mouth.(14)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions.(3)
H5N1 Virus Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – H5N1 has evolved into a flu virus strain that infects more species than any previously known strain, is deadlier than any formerly known strain, and continues to grow, becoming both more widespread and more deadly. Epidemiologists are afraid the next time such a virus mutates; it could pass from human to human. Direct transmission of avian viruses to humans is possible. Testing of photocatalysis on H5N1 was completed at Kansas State University using H5N8 as a surrogate.(15)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions.(11, 13)
Bacteria
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Easily transmitted in a hospital environment and resistant to most staphylococcus antibiotics including oxacillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, and methicillin, MRSA has only a few expensive treatment options, and there are challenging side effects. From 1999 to 2005 the estimated number of MRSA related hospitalizations more than doubled, from 127,036 to 278,203 causing a national priority for disease control. In 2010 encouraging results from the Center for Disease Control indicates a 28% decrease in invasive (life-threatening) MRSA infections in a hospital setting. The estimated cost of MRSA treatment in 2005 was $3.2 billion to $4.2 billion nationwide.(1)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: ~ 99.9% reduction in viability of MRSA was observed within 80 minutes of photocatalytic treatment.(2)
Staphylococcus aureus
S. aureus can cause a range of illnesses, from minor skin infections such as pimples, impetigo, boils (furuncles), cellulitis folliculitis, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome and abscesses to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), bacteremia and sepsis. The systems it affects range from skin, soft tissue, respiratory, bone, joint, endovascular to wound infections. It is still one of the five most common causes of nosocomial infections and is often the cause of postsurgical wound infections. Each year, some 500,000 patients in American hospitals contract a staphylococcal infection.
Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: ~ 99.9% reduction in viability of Staphylococcus aureus was observed within 80 minutes of photocatalytic treatment.(3)
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
C. diff is a bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. C. diff most commonly affects older adults in hospitals or long term care facilities. In recent years, C. diff infections have become more frequent, more severe and more difficult to treat. While MRSA infection rates are decreasing in response to stepped-up prevention efforts within hospitals, diseases caused by C. diff have increased each year since 2007. [Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010]
Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: ~ 99.9% reduction in viability of C. diff within 80 minutes of photocatalytic treatment. Complete surface inactivation was demonstrated, and bacterial re-growth following photocatalytic treatment was not observed.(2)
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It causes significant public health risks responsible for approximately 1,600 cases annually. Before 2011, the largest outbreak
occurred in 2002, when 54 illnesses, eight deaths, and three fetal deaths in nine states were associated with consumption of contaminated turkey deli meat. The 2011 outbreak, caused by tainted
cantaloupe, infected a total of 139 persons with any of the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes. The outbreak spread over 28 states and resulted in 29 deaths.(4)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions.
Escherichia coli
E. coli consists of a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains are harmless, other strains of E. coli can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory, and pneumonia. In most cases of disease-causing outbreaks, Shiga toxins produced by E. coli are responsible. Recent multistate foodborne outbreaks include Lebanon Bologna 2011, Hazelnuts 2011, Shredded Romaine Lettuce 2010, and Beef 2010, resulting in massive product recalls.(5)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Antibacterial activity of Ag-doped TiO2 showed ~ 99% deactivation of E. coli. The doped TiO2 showed enhanced efficacy as opposed to the non-doped.(6)
Group A Streptococci (GAS)
GAS is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry Group A Streptococci and have no symptoms of illness. Most GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses such as “strep throat,” or impetigo. Occasionally these bacteria can cause severe and even life-threatening diseases when bacteria get into parts of the body where they are not usually found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs. These infections are termed “invasive GAS disease.” About 9,000-11,500 cases of invasive GAS disease occur each year in the United States, resulting in 1,000-1,800 deaths annually.(7)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 96% microbial reductions.(3)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
P. aeruginosa is an increasingly prevalent opportunistic human pathogen and the most common gram-negative bacterium in nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is responsible for 16% of nosocomial pneumonia cases, 12% of nosocomial urinary tract infections, 8% of surgical wound infections, and 10% of bloodstream infections.(8)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions.(3)
Streptococcus pneumonia
S. pneumonia typically enters the lung when airborne droplets are inhaled, but can enter through the bloodstream when there is an infection in another part of the body. There were 50,774 deaths in the US in 2009 attributed to pneumonia. It is estimated that up to 2.3% of all nursing home patients have pneumonia at any given time.(8)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions.(3)
Bacillus anthracis
Anthrax is an acute disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Most forms of the disease are lethal, and it affects both humans and other animals. Anthrax spores can be produced in vitro and used as a biological weapon. Spores of B. anthracis spread anthrax. Clothing or shoes can transport these spores. The body of an animal that had active Anthrax at the time of death can be a source of Anthrax spores. A lethal infection is reported to result from inhalation of about 10,000 – 20,000 spores, though this dose varies among host species. Testing at the University of Cincinnati by Dr. Grinshpun used Bacillus subtilis as a surrogate.
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Deactivation of > 90% of microorganisms was achieved in less than 60 minutes, the majority of which occurred within 10 minutes.(10)
Fungus, Molds, & Spores
Stachybotrys chartarum
S. chartarum is a black mold that produces its conidia in slime heads and is found in soil and grain as well as cellulose-rich building materials and damp or water-damaged buildings. It requires high moisture content to grow and is associated with wet gypsum material and wallpaper. Health problems related to this mold have been documented in humans and animals since the 1930s and more recently linked with “sick building syndrome.”(16)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions within 24 hours.(3)
Candida albicans
C. albicans is a diploid fungus that grows as both yeast and filamentous cells and a causal agent of opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans. Systemic fungal infections (fungemias) including those by C. albicans have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality in immune-compromised patients (e.g., AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow transplantation). C. albicans biofilms may form on the surface of implantable medical devices. Besides, nosocomial infections by C. albicans have become a cause of significant health concerns.(17)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing on stainless steel surfaces using PCO resulted in ~ 99% microbial reductions within 24 hours.(3)
Other Studies
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
There have been studies showing the effectiveness of PCO on over 60 VOCs. A partial list includes formaldehyde and chloroform (found outgassing from common household materials), Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, propane, toluene, methylene chloride (frequently seen in common chemical cleaners) vinyl acetate and xylene (found outgassing from everyday plastic products). Airborne tobacco smoke has also been shown to be a significant cause of irritations and has caused other major health issues as well. Contact for a complete listing.
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing has shown reductions of > 90% in most cases.(18, 19)
Odors
Photocatalytic oxidation of odor compounds including acetaldehyde, isobutyric acid, toluene, hydrogen sulfide and trimethylamine at about 500 ppm were reduced by over 90%. The data suggest that photocatalysis should be considered for the reduction of certain odor compounds.(20)
Inorganic Compounds
A few inorganic gas-phase compounds include ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen oxides (NOx), N2O), ozone (O3) and sulfur oxides (SOx). Those compounds containing hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen under conditions of complete oxidation can form water and carbon dioxide.
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing has shown reductions of > 90% in the compounds tested.(21)
Allergens
Allergens are numerous and varied things such as dust mites excretions, pollen and pet dander. Basidiospores are considered a significant source of airborne fungal allergens, which may include mushrooms, rusts, smuts, and brackets. A study in New Zealand has shown that 22% of patients with respiratory allergic disorders tested positive for basidiospores allergies. Heavy rainfall increases fungal spore releases which are listed as a significant source of airborne allergens.(22)
The effectiveness of Photocatalytic Oxidation Technology: Testing has shown reductions > 95% in most cases of airborne allergens including mold spores, basidiospores, dust mite excretions, tobacco smoke and protein molecules (animal allergens).(23, 24)
Sneeze test – PCO
Many microbes spread through the air from one animal or human to another. It has been reported that tests were run at a simulated sneeze test lab using a sneeze simulation machine which showed a 78% reduction of microbes within 3 feet.
Safety
Photocatalysis, a natural chemical process, is the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst. These PCO materials can then break down organic molecules, like air pollutants and smog precursors, into environmentally friendly compounds. Using PCO has become more attractive than filtration or UV treatment because it is a non-invasive, non-toxic, and cost-effective method to address a wide variety of technologies related to purification and degradation processes. These pollutants then get converted into non-toxic compounds, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.(25)
An emerging alternative method for air pollution control employs the use of semiconductors in photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of organic contaminant to produce innocuous CO2 and H2O. Among the photocatalysts used, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely implemented because it is inexpensive, nonhazardous, and chemically inert.(26)
Engineered PCO devices for intentional air ionization are more controllable than incidental sources. These units produce controlled outputs of specific ions on demand. The formation of undesirable byproducts, such as ozone, is minimized. In multi-floor buildings, no new VOCs were identified as products of incomplete ionization at levels of detection.(27) The number of air exchanges may be significantly reduced resulting considerable in energy savings.
Green Technology – Energy Star Compliant
Our products are committed to the environment by using low voltage technology to power our devices, designing our products with durability, refurbishment and reuse in mind, and packaging with recycled materials. Preference is shown to suppliers that share these values.
PHI Cell®
A Advanced Oxidation
Technology (AOT) PHI Cell®
Disclaimer
All of the above tests were performed on AOT products with advanced oxidation technology as independent accredited labs and university studies conducted them. PHI Cell is a registered Trademark of RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
References
(1) Center for Disease Control and Prevention MRSA statistics retrieved Nov. 6, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/statistics/index.html
(2) Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 216 (2010) 303-310 – Inactivation of clinically relevant pathogens by photocatalytic coatings – P.S.M. Dunlop, et al, Univ. of Ulster, UK
(3) Efficacy of Radiant Catalytic Ionization Cell at Reducing Microbial Populations on Stainless steel Surfaces: M. T. Ortega, et al; Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.
(4) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Listeria Statistics, http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/statistics.html
(5) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Multi-State Foodborne Outbreaks. http://www.cdc.gov/outbreaknet/outbreaks.html#ecoli
(6) Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 32, no. 17, pp. 2650-2653, 1998 – Mineralization of bacterial cell mass on photocatalytic surface in air, Jacoby, W.A., et al, The National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401-3393, and Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65211
(7) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Group A streptococcal (GAS) Disease, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcalg.htm
(8) Van Delden, C C, Iglewski, BH. Cell-to-Cell Signaling and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Retrieved Nov 18, 2011 from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/4/4/98-0405.htm
(9) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Pneumonia. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.htm
(10) Control of Aerosol Contaminants in Indoor Air: Combining the Particle Concentration Reduction with Microbial Inactivation, Grinshpun, Sergey et al; Department of Environmental Health, University of
Cincinnati, 2332 Eden Avenue, PO Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056
(11) Biological reduction through photocatalysis with PCO technology, M. T. Ortega, et al, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS66506
(12) Surveillance of Norovirus Outbreaks Retrieved November 22, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsNorovirus/
(13) Evaluation of the Efficacy of Ecoquest’s Decontamination Systems in Reducing Murine Norovirus Titers Performed by Dr. Lela Riley, RADIL LLC, Columbia, MO Nov 18,2008
(14) Center for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
(15) Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Humans by The Writing Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) Consultation of Human Influenza A/H5 in the Sept. 29, 2005 New England Journal of
Medicine
(16) Nelson, D. “Stachybotrys chartarum: the toxic indoor mold”. APSnet. American Phytological Society. Archived from the original on 28 August 2005.
http://web.archive.org/web/20050828033934/http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/. Retrieved 19 September 2005.
(17) Ryan KJ, Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.
(18) ASHRAE Transactions, Volume III, Part 2. Evaluation of Photocatalysis for Gas-Phase Air Cleaning – Part 1: process, Technical and Sizing Considerations, Dean T. Tompkins, et al.
(19) IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 30, No. 4, August 2002. On the Ionization of Air for Removal of Noxious Effluvia, Stacy L. Daniels
(20) Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Purification, Decontamination and Deodorization of Air, Jose Peral, et al, Dept of Chemical Eng, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, April 1997
(21) ASHRAE Transactions, Volume III, Part 2. Evaluation of Photocatalysis for Gas-Phase Air Cleaning – Part 1: process, Technical and Sizing Considerations, Dean T. Tompkins, et al.
(22) Hasnain, SM.; Wilson, JD.; Newhook, FJ.; Segedin, BP. (May 1985). “Allergy to basidiospores: immunologic studies”. N Z Med J 98 (779): 393–6. PMID 3857522
(23) Decontamination of Ventilation Systems Using Photocatalytic Air Cleaning Technology J. Sol. Energy Eng. August 2003 Volume 125 Issue 3, 359
(24) Photocatalysis: Raising the Stakes for IAQ; David Branson, PE, ASHRAE Technical Committee, Consulting Engineer
(25) NASA’s Potential Contributions for Using Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Conjunction with Photocatalysis for Urban Air Pollution Mitigation, Robert E. Ryan et al, Science Systems and Applications, Inc.,
John C. Stennis Space Center, April 2007
(26) The Effect of Photon Source on Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Oxidation of Ethanol by a Silica-Titania Composite, Janelle L. Coutts et al, Team QNA – Engineering Services Contract, Sustainable Systems
Applied Research, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 32899 USA; University of Florida, Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA.
(27) IEEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Vol. 30, No. 4, August 2002, On the Ionization of Air for the Removal of Noxious Effluvia (Air Ionization of Indoor Environments for Control of Volatile and
Particulate Contaminants With Nonthermal Plasmas Generated by Dielectric Barrier Discharge)), Stacy L. Daniels, Quality Air of Midland, Inc.