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Overview
Philips, a leader in air purification, partnered with Airmid Healthgroup to scientifically validate the AC4600 air cleaner’s effectiveness in removing airborne Influenza A (H1N1) particles. Rigorous testing demonstrated a 99.9% virus reduction within 20 minutes, supporting Philips’ mission to deliver health-focused innovations to consumers.
Background
About Philips: A global leader in consumer goods, Philips is committed to improving lives through meaningful health innovations. In China, Philips dominates the air purifier market, addressing growing consumer concerns about indoor air quality.
Airmid Healthgroup’s Role: Airmid specializes in the scientific study of indoor environments and health impacts, offering independent validation of claims related to allergens, viruses, and bacteria.
The Challenge
Airborne viruses pose significant health risks, with Influenza A (H1N1) being a primary concern in crowded urban environments. Philips sought a trusted scientific partner to validate the AC4600’s capability to remove these pathogens effectively, ensuring consumer confidence and regulatory compliance.
Goals
- Substantiate the AC4600’s virus removal claims with independent, rigorous testing.
- Strengthen market leadership in health-driven air purification solutions.
Our Approach
Airmid employed state-of-the-art virology and aerobiology testing methods:
- Test Chamber Simulation: Virus particles were aerosolized in a controlled 28.5m³ chamber to mimic real-world conditions.
- Scientific Analysis: Virus concentrations were measured using ELISA techniques.
- Comparison Testing: Control runs measured natural virus decay versus the air cleaner’s impact.
Key Results
- 99.9% Reduction: Within 20 minutes of operation, the AC4600 significantly reduced airborne H1N1 particles.
- Consumer Confidence: These results enable Philips to back its marketing claims with trusted, independent science.
Impact
Philips successfully differentiated its product in the competitive air purification market. The collaboration reinforced its reputation as a leader in health-focused technology and highlighted Airmid’s role as a trusted validation partner.
Lessons for Industry Leaders
- Independent validation builds consumer trust.
- Controlled scientific testing is critical for substantiating health claims in air purification technology.
Conclusion
By working with Airmid Healthgroup, Philips demonstrated the importance of credible, science-backed claims in consumer health products. For more information on testing methodologies or how Airmid can support your innovation, contact us today.
Related Testing:
ISO 18184 – Anti- Viral Testing for Textiles
ISO 21702 – Anti-Viral Testing for Plastics and Non-Porous surfaces
EN 14476:2013 – Anti-Viral Testing of Disinfectants and Antiseptics
References
Fabian P., McDevitt J.J., Houseman E.A., Milton D.K. (2009). An optimized method to detect influenza virus and human rhinovirus from exhaled breath and the airborne environment. Indoor Air; 19(5): 433-441.
About Airmid Healthgroup
Airmid Healthgroup helps clients with products and services related to the built environment to differentiate their customer offerings through health relevant marketing claims. Clients include Dyson, LG, Proctor & Gamble, Shaw Floors, 3M, Stanley Steemer, Fellowes, Tarkett and Hollander. airmid healthgroup creates value for clients through a number of collaborative strategies, including field research projects, environmental test chamber studies and licensing our own intellectual property. airmid healthgroup specializes in studying the relationship between allergens, viruses, bacteria, molds or other ultra-fine particles in the air and on surfaces to the spread of illness and disease in buildings. As a leading authority on biomedical and aerobiology research, they use this deep domain knowledge to improve products and services to make the indoor environment as healthy as possible. For more information, visit http://www.airmidhealthgroup.com.
About Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2014 sales of EUR 21.4 billion and employs approximately 106,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. For more information, visit www.philips.com