Lowering microbial load on surfaces and in the air using advanced Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)

Ogena Solutions is an infection prevention and biosecurity company using a One Health approach as a guiding principle. Over the last few year the company recognized the importance of indoor air quality for the health and wellbeing of people and animals inhabiting indoor spaces. The company invested in the developer of an advanced photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) air and surface decontamination unit. Controlling the concentration of indoor respiratory aerosols to reduce airborne transmission of infectious disease is key to keep occupants safe. This can be achieved by combining engineering controls such as: ventilation, filtration and air decontamination with other routine infection prevention measures. New generation PCO devices release and increase the number of (already there) ions in the environment. These ions then combine with humidity in the air to form an oxidizer that reacts with microorganisms in the air and on surfaces, thereby lowering the concentration of viruses, bacteria and fungus/mold. Advanced PCO devices have shown in laboratory tests to be over 99% effective killing viruses and bacteria, and over 95% effective against mold spores. The technology is safe as they are UL2998 approved as being zero ozone products and produce nor other harmful gases or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). Improving indoor air quality has a direct positive effect in decreasing aerosol transmission of diseases, and we know preventing disease is a key aspect for lowering the use of antimicrobials.