This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on February 1, 2021 - February 7, 2021
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, many people have resorted to a host of actions ranging from diligently washing their groceries after purchase to spraying them with disinfectant to get rid of any Covid-19 virus that may be lingering. These methods are messy, inconvenient and tedious.
Not surprisingly, researchers and consumer product companies worldwide have come up with different methods of disinfection, including the use of ultraviolet rays, anti-microbial materials or ozone, to do the job more easily and efficiently.
Digital Edge offers a list of some of the more interesting products available, with the proviso that you do your own due diligence and read the scientific literature about the efficacy of these products before making your purchase.
1 Panasonic ECONAVI Humidifying nanoe Air Purifier
Price: RM2,185
Where to buy: panasonic.com; Lazada; Shopee
Panasonic’s air purifier uses the patented nanoe purification technology and multiple types of filters to eliminate virus, bacteria, allergens, dust and other contaminants. The company claims that its nanoe technology can inhibit 99.9% of viruses (H1N1 and H5N1) and 99.9% of bacteria (E. coli 0157, MRSA), based on its laboratory tests. It can also restore moisture to the skin.
2 Nippon Paint VirusGuard
Price: From RM57.50
Where to buy: nipponpaint.com.my; Lazada; Shopee
According to Nippon Paint, VirusGuard inhibits growth of the human coronavirus strain 229E, which causes respiratory tract infections, the Influenza A (H1N1) virus and the Coxsackievirus A16 on coated surfaces. It is also effective against bacteria such as E. coli, MRSA and Staphylococcus Aureus. As Covid-19 is a new strain of coronavirus, however, the product has yet to be tested against it, according to the website’s FAQ.
VirusGuard is developed through Nippon Paint’s Silver Ion Technology, which attacks the membrane, protein coat or cell membranes of viruses and bacteria that land on its surface.
3 Prolexus ProXmask
Price: RM29.95 each
Where to buy: www.be-elementz.com; Lazada; Shopee
The ProXmask’s anti-viral properties set it apart from other reusable masks in the market. The company incorporates HeiQ Viroblock technology into the mask’s fabric to capture microbes, including coronaviruses, at active binding sites and deactivate them upon contact, according to Prolexus.
In its press release, the company says the ProXmask deactivates more than 99% of Covid-19 virus on its surface even after 60 washes. The tests were conducted at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia.
4 59S UVC LED Steriliser Wand
Price: RM429
Where to buy: mothercare.com.my
The sterilising wand uses Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) LED lights to eliminate up to 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria, according to 59S. These results are certified by the Guangdong Detection Centre of Microbiology and other labs, based on information shown on its website.
The design of the wand allows it to be carried everywhere, especially for travel. Unlike wipes and sprays, the steriliser wand will not leave liquid and chemical residue, making it ideal for use on furniture, electronics and other surfaces that do not tolerate liquids.
5 Vray UV-C Sterilizer
Price: RM1,299
Where to buy: bebehaus.com
This steriliser is bigger than the sterilising wand, but its design enables it to stand on a table. The South Korea-based company says the product is certified to sterilise 99.9% bacteria and other germs.
6 EPCO Disinfection Robot KN100
Price: NA
Where to buy: catalog.fa.com.my or email [email protected]
The mobile robot uses UV-C to disinfect large spaces such as hospitals, shopping malls and factories. It moves independently and is able to navigate its way through various floors, according to the product description sheet.
The robot uses UV-C at night when no one is in the building and food-grade disinfectant during working hours.
7 UVC Lamp
Price: RM599 each
Where to buy: Call (012) 292 2518 or visit theuvc.co
Airebus Sdn Bhd, which runs the luxury Aeroline bus, has patented its UV-C lamp to clean indoor air. During the pandemic last year, the company invented a UV-C lamp that can be attached to split air-conditioning units to sanitise interior environments, from bus cabins to indoor retail spaces. The company has also designed similar products for centralised air-conditioning systems that can be used in malls and other public spaces.
8 Primo Ozone Air Purifier
Price: From RM1188
Where to buy: Email [email protected]
The air purifier uses ozone, along with UV light, to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria, virus, mould and fungus, according to the company. The air purifier covers 9 sq m in about five minutes. The product was tested by Japan’s Nara Medical University and has been found to be effective against the Covid-19 virus, according to the company, with ozone levels within Japan’s safety limits.
9 Medklinn Versa 45
Price: RM869
Where to buy: www.medklinn.com; Lazada; Shopee
Medklinn’s air and surface sterilisers are powered by its patented Cerafusion technology. According to its website, the technology creates active oxygen, which Medklinn claims can eliminate 99.9% of all allergens, odours, bacteria, viruses, mould and other toxic substances, based on laboratory tests conducted at Monash University, Sunway Campus.
The Medklinn Versa 45, part of its HomeTravel series, weighs 220g and can cover up to 450 sq ft. It is connected to its power source through a USB cable and its cartridge needs to be replaced once a year.
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