Bioactive nano-filters to control legionella on indoor air

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

P. A. F. Rodrigues (Author) Other; S. I. V. Sousa (Author) FEUP; M. J. Geraldes (Author) Other; M. C. M. Alvim Ferraz (Author) Other; F. G. Martins (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Advanced Materials Research

Vol. 506

Pages: 23-26

ISSN: 1022-6680

Publisher: Trans Tech Publications

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Materials engineering

Associated Projects

PEst-C/EQB/UI0511/2011 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2011-2012

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-EH5

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.506.23

Abstract (EN): Several factors affect the indoor air quality, among which ventilation, human occupancy, cleaning products, equipment and material; they might induce the presence of aerosols (or bioaerosols in the presence of biological components) nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide and dioxide, volatile organic compounds, radon and microorganisms. Microbiological pollution involves hundreds of bacteria and fungi species that grow indoors under specific conditions of temperature and humidity. Exposure to microbial contaminants is clinically associated with allergies, asthma, immune responses and respiratory infections, such as Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac Feaver, which are due to contamination by Legionella pneumophila. Legionnaire's Disease has increased over the past decade, because of the use of central air conditioning. In places such as homes, kindergartens, nursing homes and hospitals, indoor air pollution affects population groups that are particularly vulnerable because of their health status or age, making indoor air pollution a public health issue of high importance. Therefore, the implementation of preventive measures, as the application of air filters, is fundamental. Currently, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most used to capture microorganisms in ventilation, filtration and air conditioning systems; nevertheless, as they are not completely secure, new filters should be developed. This work aims to present how the efficiency of a textile nano-structure in a non-woven material based on synthetic textiles (high hydrophobic fibers) incorporating appropriate biocides to control Legionella pneumophila, is going to be measured. These bioactive structures, to be used in ventilation systems, as well as in respiratory protective equipment, will reduce the growth of microorganisms in the air through bactericidal or bacteriostatic action. The filter nano-structure should have good air permeability, since it has to guarantee minimum flows of fresh air for air exchange as well as acceptable indoor air quality.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4