The global Covid-19 pandemic has brought about many disruptions to our daily lives, but it has also brought about many innovations to help us cope better with the new normal of co-existing with the coronavirus.
One such innovation is CleanAire, a portable 2-in-1 device launched by lighting technology company, NVC International, that claims to be able to clean the air around us and protect users from viruses and bacteria in our personal spaces.
The device combines Ultraviolet Ray C (UVC) and Ozone sterilisation for twin sanitisation effects – the first time both technologies have been included in a portable air steriliser. Measuring 120 x 56mm, the sleek and portable device was designed with today’s increasingly health-conscious consumer in mind.
“We’re solving a very real problem for those consumers who, now more than ever, want to take every measure to protect the health of their family. Our mission has always been ‘innovation to help in the betterment of lives’ and through CleanAire we hope to establish NVC International as a leader beyond the lighting industry,” shared Edmund Hui, General Manager of NVC International Growth Market & Chief Executive Officer, Singapore.
How CleanAire works
CleanAire claims to be able to eliminate bacteria and viruses in the air by emitting UVC waves. Bacteria and viruses, such as those which cause the common cold, originate from strains of microorganisms. Exposing the viruses to UVC rays, compromising their ribonucleic acid (RNA) structures, and inhibiting them from interacting with human cells, are said to effectively cease reproduction and protect the user from infection. The UVC light source which has been designed to be concealed at the side to ensure maximum user safety, can emit UVC rays ranging from 254nm to 185nm for the most effective sterilisation.
Additionally, CleanAire also comes with a built-in ozone generator to ionise more oxygen. This is said to allow it to bypass shielded areas and obstacles. Ozone is able to provide a biochemical oxidation reaction which destroy the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses halting metabolism, effectively killing them.
Note that CleanAire makes no claim to be able to protect users from the coronavirus.
Given the developing situation with the global Covid-19 pandemic, there is no certainty on preventions and no scientific body or organisation would be able to certify anything like that. If you are using CleanAire with the intent on safe-guarding against the coronavirus, our recommendation is to use it as an additional layer of protection, on top of recommended safety measures like frequent hand-washing, sanitisation, wearing a mask and safe-distancing.
CleanAire’s application and use
Thanks to its portable design, CleanAire can be used to clean the air in the immediate vicinity, and is effective for a radius of up to 2m2.
I tested the device over the past few weeks and found it easy-to-use and convenient to carry around. As I am working in essential services, I still clock back at the office on some days. The CleanAire device could be used during meetings as an added safe-guard on top of safe-distancing and masks.
I also found it useful in sanitising the shared family car after I drive home.
The recommended sterilisation time for CleanAire is 30 minutes. The device will light up when you switch it on and it is in the process of sterilising. It can operate on its own while you are running errands and is also wireless, making it easy to carry around.
On the certification front, CleanAire has been certified by the Guandong Detection Centre of Microbiology in China to have maximum sterilisation rates of 99.9%.
CleanAire is available for purchase online via NVC International’s official website at S$149++.
