The bio-particulates that can be measured encompass viral particles, bacteria, fungi/molds, as well as allergens such as house dust mite, various pollens, animal dander (e.g. cat/dog) and particular toxins. Measurement is undertaken by use of the most sophisticated immunoassay and molecular biological techniques.
Products that can be tested
- Air Cleaning Devices
- HVAC Filters
- HVAC Systems
- Building Management Systems
- Central Vacuum Cleaners
Suitable technologies for assessment in this system, while including media based mechanical filtration, are particularly focused on products utilising other scientific systems, either existing or in development. Recirculating air through the chamber and back into the ducting system on a repeated basis with a range of fresh air flow dilution rates all contribute to replicating what is happening in real homes and offices.
Monitoring involves proximal and distal biological air sampling for selected organisms (and surface if requested) within the ducting system along with the option for air and surface sampling in the chamber prior to and following each air change.
Air cleaning within the ducting system presents a potent opportunity to clean the air in a highly efficient manner. The introduction of new technologies into ducting systems for the purpose of maintaining particle free air represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
For air cleaning devices designed for placement in the room itself, bio-particulates can be introduced into the chamber directly or through the ducting with an option to recirculate air or not.
The particular materials introduced are represented by known quantities of real household dusts, known viral, bacterial and fungal organism loads and other known particulates of sizes that include those greater than 10 microns, those that are sub-micron and even those associated with nano-particles. This enhances the quality of the information being generated.
Data on actual bio-particulates and the impact of air cleaning systems are evaluated in a totally new manner.
Many of the studies performed by us at airmid healthgroup have led to a complete re-evaluation of product performance and service intervention impacts. Often, results have been pivotal in driving design improvements. Not alone has airmid healthgroup performed the studies but we have also brought the conclusions to the attention of the medical/scientific community through a variety of routes.