Why indoor air matters
Currently, indoor air pollution is ranked by the EPA as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Pollutants and pathogens suspended in that air can be absorbed into our throats, eyes, lungs, and bloodstream, negatively impacting our health, wellbeing, cognition, and performance.
Healthcare-acquired infections
Why Disinfect the Air
Healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) is a serious and widespread problem with an estimated 1 in 10 patients acquiring an infection during a hospital stay. In American hospitals alone, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that HAIs account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year.
Over 30% of healthcare-acquired infections possibly involve airborne transmission at some point.
Healthcare acquired infections by the numbers
from the World Health Organization
of patients are affected by HAIs worldwide annually
in developing countries will acquire a surgical site infection
in high-income countries will acquire at least one HAI
for newborns in developing countries
What's in the air?
Explore Below
Hospitals are a unique environment for the spread of infectious diseases. COVID-19 aside, each year in the United States, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) kill over 100,000 people annually. A comprehensive study completed by the Hospital Microbiome Project at the University of Chicago, Illinois, determined that healthcare-associated infections are most significantly caused by poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
What's in the air?
Bacteria
TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel bactera into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. Learn how TB spreads through the air.
MRSA
MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. MRSA most often causes skin infections and can cause pneumonia. Numerous studies have established airborne transmission of MRSA. Learn how MRSA spreads through the air.
CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, known as colitis. Infections can be fatal and cause a significant burden on healthcare facilities. Patients who contract CDI spend on average an additional 2-3 weeks in hospital. Learn how C. diff spreads through the air.
What's in the air?
Allergens
POLLEN
Pollen is a fine yellowish dust that spreads from plants. It can cause sneezing, eye irritation, wheezing, coughing and aggravate asthma symptoms.
MOULD SPORES
Mould can grow anywhere there is moisture. As mold spores become airborne, they can cause allergic reactions similar to pollen and aggravate asthma symptoms. Nosocomial outbreaks of aspergillosis have become a well recognized complication of construction, demolition or renovation activities in or near hospital wards. Aspergillus spores are superbly adapted to airborne dissemination.
DUST
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that trigger asthma and flares of eczema. The process of cleaning can stir up dust particles, making them easier to inhale which worsens symptoms.
What's in the air?
Viruses
SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 is the newly discovered coronavirus causing the infectious disease COVID-19. People aged 60 years and over, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity or cancer, are at higher risk of developing a serious illness. However, anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. Learn how SARS-CoV-2 spreads through the air.
INFLUENZA
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing release influenza viruses into the air, with sizes ranging from submicron particles to large droplets. These submicron particles can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time with the potential to infect those coming in contact with them. Learn how Influenza spreads through the air.
NOROVIRUS
Norovirus is the leading cause of epidemic and sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. An outbreak is a major threat to the smooth running and capacity of schools, hospitals, and offices every winter. Learn how Norovirus spreads through the air.
MEASLES
Measles is a highly contagious virus that starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Learn how Measles spreads through the air.
Related research
What's in the air?
Volatile organic compounds
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Learn more about VOCs.
Common sources of VOCs include:
- paints, paint strippers and other solvents
- wood preservatives
- aerosol sprays
- cleansers and disinfectants
- moth repellents and air fresheners
- stored fuels and automotive products
- hobby supplies
- dry-cleaned clothing
- pesticide
- building materials and furnishings
Related research
White Paper: Clearing the Air
What you need to know about indoor air quality and choosing the right solution.
Improvements to ventilation systems might not be enough, and navigating the air cleaning market can be a tricky proposition. Learn more about what you need to know when choosing the right solution in our latest white paper.
The research behind WellAir
Utilizing NanoStrike technology, WellAir devices have been shown to safely and effectively reduce viruses, bacteria, mold spores, VOCs, and particulate matter in dozens of independent laboratory tests.
In case studies and clinical trials, our products have been demonstrated to reduce infections and improve wellbeing in real-world settings.
CLOSE THE LOOP IN INFECTION CONTROL
Cleaner Air = Cleaner Hands & Surfaces
Infectious aerosols can be extremely small (<5 μm) and remain suspended and viable in the air stream over long periods of time, resulting in a high risk of airborne infection. Larger infectious particles drop from the air to contaminate surfaces and hands.
Infectious pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, TB, and MRSA are scientifically proven to be transmitted via indoor air currents.
Disinfect the air with WellAir
Learn more about NanoStrike technology and our portable line of air disinfection devices.
