Will there be another pandemic? How do we prepare for it?

In 2020, the world shut down. Suddenly and unexpectedly, no one was safe. People were confined to their homes and most businesses, schools, restaurants, recreational centers, etc. were shutdown until further notice. It was a scary and uncertain time. All trust was lost, as the sight of someone sneezing or coughing was enough to make everyone around them become suspicious of them. Unaware individuals walked around spreading the disease not knowing that they were carrying it. Nobody knew what was going to happen, there was no cure, and people were dying. This was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‍

Although WHO and other organizations originally thought that the COVID virus does not transmit through air, research showed that this virus was not only spreading through physical contact with an infected person, but also through the air1,2. That led to the mandatory face mask rule that was adopted worldwide, to minimize the amount of infected air being released.

‍

These precautions and proceedings continued over the next two years, before things slowly began to return to a sense of normal.

However, we are not as safe as everyone believes us to be.

‍

The emergence of new strains has brought about fresh challenges that demand our attention. While the new JN.1 strain of Covid-19 has not been deemed more severe than its predecessor, BA.2.86, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned us to stay alert. WHO representative, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic & Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, recently spoke on the issue in a recent press conference on January 12, 2024. She stated, “we are deeply concerned that this virus is circulating unchecked around the world, and that we could have a variant at any time that would increase severity.” She later said that they are seeing an increase in Covid-19hospitalizations in several countries.

‍

‍

As health organizations continue to research these new strains and viruses, it becomes clear that understanding the implications of these warnings is crucial for preparing ourselves for what could potentially be another pandemic. This article aims to shed light on that very real possibility and the vital role indoor air quality plays in preventing the spread of these viruses.

‍

Indoor Air and Its Impact

With the threat of new variants rising, the significance of indoor air quality cannot be overlooked. Airborne transmission of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and other airborne pathogens, is one of the main ways of infecting multiple unsuspecting individuals. Ensuring proper ventilation, using air purifiers, and adopting other measures to improve indoor air quality become crucial in decreasing the risk of transmission. However, it is essential to know what kind of air purifiers can keep us safe.

‍

Currently, most buildings have an HVAC system that includes air filters such as MERV 8 – 15, and in some cases HEPA. Most people assume that these filters remove harmful pollutants from the indoor air. However, that is not the case because these filters are made to filter out particles of a certain size range. Pollutants in the indoor air are dust particles and viruses, bacteria, mold spores and Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs). Viruses range between 20 nm and 200 nm in size, COVID-19 being about 100 nm, while VOCs are molecules, which are much smaller, therefore they fly right through the filters. Although some bacteria and spores can be filtered, they multiply on the filters. Air filters and most of the indoor air purification technologies on the market either cannot take care of all the pollutants in the air or in some cases produce hazardous chemicals such as ozone antiendotoxins.

‍

This leaves these buildings unsafe and vulnerable to rapid spread of Covid-19 strains and other harmful viruses and pathogens.

Luckily, a new technology has come on the market that is designed to alleviate these problems and significantly decrease the threat that polluted indoor air poses to individuals around the world.

More on that later, for now let us dive into some other pollutants that lurk around infecting people, without them realizing until it is too late.

‍

Viruses

Viruses are nano- and micro sized infectious agents that can enter indoor air in various ways. Respiratory viruses, such as the influenza virus or the common cold viruses, are often transmitted through respiratory droplets that spread when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can remain suspended in the air and travel tens of meters, contributing to the spread of viruses indoors. Additionally, viruses can also be present on surfaces and become airborne when disturbed, further adding to their presence in indoor air.

Once in the air, viruses can float, travel, and remain suspended for varying durations, depending on factors such as air circulation, temperature, and humidity. In indoor settings with poor ventilation, viruses may linger in the air for longer, increasing the risk of being inhaled by individuals in the vicinity.

Inhaling common viruses can lead to a range of health problems, from mild respiratory infections to more severe illnesses. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Respiratory viruses can be particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly orthose with underlying health conditions. With the emergence of COVID, Ebola, Zika and other viruses has increased the threats to our health.

‍

Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that can enter indoor air through various pathways. Activities such as talking, coughing, or sneezing release respiratory droplets containing bacteria into the air. Additionally, bacteria present on surfaces can become airborne when disturbed, causing it to spread throughout indoor environments. While some bacteria are harm lessor even beneficial, certain strains can pose health risks when inhaled.

Once in the air, bacteria can float and remain suspended for varying periods of time. This varies based on factors like air circulation and humidity levels. Inhaled bacteria can cause a range of health problems, from mild respiratory infections to more severe illnesses. Some of these illnesses include pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory tract infections.

Mold Spores

Mold spores are microscopic reproductive units produced by matured mold. These spores serve as a means for mold to reproduce and spread. Mold spores are present both indoors and outdoors, and can enter homes through windows, doors, and ventilation systems. Once inside, they will continue to float throughout the air and settle on surfaces. If the surface is damp and dark, it will multiply immediately and can be fully developed within 24 - 48 hours, releasing additional spores and furthering the concentration of mold in the air.

Inhaling mold spores can pose many health risks to individuals. Immediate effects may include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and irritation of the eyes and skin. If an individual has asthma, the symptoms may be worse. As the spores enter an individual’s immune system, the body reacts to fight it. This causes airways to tighten up, making it difficult to breathe. Additionally, the respiratory system may begin producing mucus to remove the spores from the lungs. Prolonged exposure to mold spores may lead to more severe health problems, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems. Long-term exposure has been associated with respiratory infections, mold allergy development, and other chronic health issues. Therefore, effective mold prevention and air purification strategies are crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Mold may affect young children differently, as a recent study found that children exposed to mold have a higher chance of developing asthma in their later years.

‍

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that easily evaporate into the air from various products used indoors. They can enter indoor air from various sources, including household products, building materials, and certain activities. Common indoor sources of VOCs include paints, solvents, cleaning products, and furniture. These compounds can be released into the air during use or over time as they off-gas from materials. Additionally, outdoor air pollution can also contribute to indoor VOC levels.

Once released, VOCs can float and remain suspended in indoor air for extended periods, depending on factors such as ventilation, air circulation, and the quality of the air purification system. Poor ventilation and sealed indoor spaces can lead to the accumulation of VOCs, exposing occupants to higher concentrations. Inhaling VOCs can lead to a range of health problems, including irritated eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to certain VOCs has been associated with more severe health effects, such as damage to the liver, kidneys, or the central nervous system. Therefore, minimizing VOC emissions using low-VOC products, proper ventilation, and good indoor air quality practices is essential for the health of all individuals who spend time indoors, which is everyone.

‍

Pet Dander

Pet dander consists of tiny, lightweight particles of skin shed by pets, along with proteins found in their saliva, urine, and feces. These particles become airborne through various ways, such as shedding. Pets shed dander naturally, just like humans. We both eliminate dead skin cells through bathing. When pets groom themselves, these particles become airborne. Additionally, pet dander can stick to clothing and be released into the air with movement.

Common health issues associated with inhaling pet dander include allergic reactions such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rashes. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions may have worse symptoms when exposed.

‍

Dust Particles

Dust particles consist of tiny solid particles that become suspended in the air. These particles vary in size, ranging from large particles that can be seen with the naked eye, to microscopic particles that float around “invisible” to individuals. Common sources of dust particles include soil, pollen, skin cells, pet dander, and various pollutants. Due to their small size, dust particles can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and can be easily inhaled by individuals.

Dust mites, which are microscopic organisms found in dust, are a common allergen. Dust mite feces and body fragments can trigger allergic responses in susceptible individuals. Additionally, certain components of dust, such as pollen, can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma in individuals with pre-existing health concerns.

Prolonged exposure to airborne dust particles may lead to chronic respiratory problems and other health complications. Individuals with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.

‍

The Solution

The presence of polluting particles in indoor air poses daily health concerns for individuals. Now, envision these challenges coupled with the presence of new strains of Covid-19. With the looming threat of another pandemic and people struggling with compromised air quality every day, it becomes imperative for us to adopt an air purification system that can effectively address these issues and foster a healthier indoor environment. Common commercially available indoor air purification systems include various filters such as HEPA and Carbon filters, electrostatic air filters, Ozonators, ionizers and other chemical systems based on Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine etc. These air cleaning technologies either do not take care of all the pollutants in air or introduce other hazards into the air. A separate whitepaper gives this information in detail.

Enter ViroZap, an innovative technology that has demonstrated its ability to destroy all kinds of viruses, bacteria, and spores in the air, including various strains of Covid-19. Applied Photonix LLC has introduced the most advanced technology for complete disinfection and detoxification. It is known as the Plasmonic Photo-electrochemical Oxidation (PECO). Founders of Applied Photonix developed the PECO technology about 20 years back and commercialized it. However, they have now developed a more powerful and faster Plasmonic Photonic technology, which is about 60%faster than their original PECO technology.

The technology utilizes UV-A light with a plasmonic nano catalyst-coated filter, working together to destroy viruses, bacteria, spores, VOCs, and release only carbon dioxide and water back into the air, which are supposed to be there. Unlike other purification systems, ViroZap does not produce any harmful chemicals in the process.

When seamlessly integrated into HVAC systems within buildings, ViroZap not only ensures high indoor air quality but also contributes to improved cognitive functions and mental health. A collaboration between YouTube and the Center for Health Communications at the Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health talks about the link between indoor air quality and cognitive well-being. The evidence presented highlights that superior air quality fosters enhanced cognitive functions, a better quality of life, and fewer health issues.

Looking back on the impact of the last pandemic, and with another potential wave on the horizon, itis in everyone's best interest to proactively integrate solutions that enhance indoor air quality within buildings, safeguarding ourselves and those around us from potential health threats.

‍

1 Morawska, L. and Cao, J.(2020) “Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: The World Should face the Reality," Environment International, 139 (2020) 105730.

2 Liu et. al. (2020), Aerodynamic Characteristics and RNA Concentration of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol in Wuhan Hospitals during COVID-19 Outbreak, March 2020, https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.08.982637.

‍