COVID is the widely talkative issue of the decade which has been poignant enough killing millions of lives around the globe. But mankind never left the occasion to blur out and 21st century is the first time in history, where vaccines are produced for a disease within this minimal span of time.
And technology consistently did go in hand with the rescues, experimenting out many ways to curb the virus and to vanish it. Such a case happens to be this Kerala Startup, which had developed an electronic device that sterilizes the indoor with 99% efficacy in just 15 minutes. But how? & The science behind the innovation, explains this article.
Allabout Innnovations ‘Wolf Airmask’
Incubating under Kerala Startup Mission, Allabout Innovations Pvt Ltd takes the feat of containment of airborne spread of COVID-19 by developing a pioneering electronic device ‘Wolf Airmask’, that sterilizes the room with increased efficacy in short period than ever.
Wolf Airmask has proven its efficacy at tests conducted by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, which is an ICMR-recognized testing lab.
The gadget can reduce 99% of the novel coronavirus in just 15 minutes, according to the test held with support from ICMR.
ounder of the tech, Shyam Krishnan Kurup said that the Airmask would provide 360-degree protection by sterilizing the air.
How it does?
The gadget, Wolf Airmask generates negative ions that bind with the spikes in the coronavirus cells and neutralize it. Nature also proffers those ions, when water collides with itself or when lightning strikes or from sun’s UV rays or many more.
Also, Wolf Airmask could be used to sterilize the room even when people are present, unlike other sterilizing or fumigating agents which calls in no people or so-called empty room to do its task.
Negative ion generators are also known to produce ozone as a byproduct, which is deadly to humans, even in parts per billion. While disparately, this machine gives BDL (below detection level) ozone which is otherwise ‘null’, says the founder, Shyam.
The Wolf Airmask, developed from German technology and with components from Denmark, can be used for 60,000 hours (spanning nine years). Facilitating purification of air upto a space of 1,000 square feet, it requires no service or change of parts.
Negative ions have also been touted to help with depression and anxiety. A 2013 meta-analysis of 33 studies conducted in this area found that there is a correlation between exposure to negative ions and reduced levels of depression, although it had no effect on sleep or anxiety.
This is not the first time the world is experiencing so; as Pune-based startup had developed the same negative ion generator that can control viruses & other microbes in indoors, back in March of 2020 itself. But it has no focus in contracting the ozone emissions, which emerges as a byproduct.
The device is for sale
The device costs Rs.25000 plus taxes for a variant that can service an area of 1000 square feet. Kurup said they are also developing a cheaper variant that can service spaces as small as 250 square feet. The company said it has started getting import orders from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and those in Europe and West Africa. Founded in August 2020 and headquartered in Alappuzha, Allabout Innovations has been working in association with scientists, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, social volunteers and commercial partners to create sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
References:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/kerala-startup-mission-incubated-startup-develops-device-to-reduce-circulation-of-covid-19-in-the-air/articleshow/82292033.cmshttps://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/electronic-device-to-curb-airborne-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-developed-121041100432_1.htmlhttps://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/allabout-innovations-develops-path-breaking-covid-sterilising-device/article34302508.ecehttps://www.thequint.com/tech-and-auto/gadgets/what-are-ionisers-can-they-fight-covid-19
