Microbial Reduction Efficiencies of Filtration, Electrostatic Polarization, and UV Components of a Germicidal Air Cleaning System

• Published in: Journal of food science Vol. 67; no. 6; pp. 2278 - 2281
• Main Authors: Cundith, C.J, Kerth, C.R, Jones, W.R, Mccaskey, T.A, Kuhlers, D.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.08.2002; Institute of Food Technologists
• Subjects: air; airborne microorganisms; Biological and medical sciences; cleaning; electrostatic polarization; filtration; Food industries; Food microbiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Micrococcus luteus; Serratia marcescens; ultraviolet radiation; UV light; Combinatorial method; Ultraviolet radiation; Air treatment; Filtration; Decontamination; Electrostatic precipitation; Biological contamination
• ISSN: 0022-1147; 1750-3841
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2002.tb09540.x

This study determined the effectiveness of components of a germicidal air-cleaning system involving filtration, electrostatic polarization, and UV light on the reduction of airborne bacteria and molds. The filter alone, filter and electrostatic polarization combined, and the filter, electrostatic polarization, and UV light were found to be effective (P < 0.05) in reducing a given concentration of M. luteus and S. marcescens by 90 to 92%. The same components were also found to be effective (P < 0.05) in reducing indigenous airborne bacteria and molds from ambient air in processing plant production conditions by 62 to 77% after only 1 pass through the filtration system. A germicidal air-filtration system utilizing electrostatic polarization and ultraviolet light can be used to reduce the chance of contaminating surfaces with airborne bacteria and molds.