With the COVID-19 vaccine starting to roll out to the general public, in-person gatherings are beginning to happen more frequently. Even as we start to make this transition, however, we all still need to be cautious of how these gatherings can impact guests’ physical health or spread COVID-19 to others. The vaccine protects those who have received it, but the CDC has not yet determined if they can still be carriers of the virus, ultimately putting others at risk.
Wearing a mask is effective, but it’s not exactly practical if food and drinks are being served during a gathering. Thankfully, not only has the general public reprioritized health and safety – the tech industry has taken note too. Both new and existing companies are developing clean tech to keep people safe during the pandemic and beyond. As we continue to navigate the new normal, these are the areas in clean tech that have promising long-term staying power.
Fresh Air
From allergens alone, it’s clear what a difference fresh air can make compared to stagnant, indoor air. With COVID-19, droplets containing the virus spread via the air, making it extremely easy for those in close proximity to someone sick to be infected. A cough or sneeze doesn’t even need to be the culprit. Someone talking or laughing can spread the virus just as easily.
The solution? Finding an air purifier to circulate the air where guests are gathering. Look for an air purifier that has a HEPA filter, which effectively captures dust, particulates, microorganisms, allergens, and more, UV-C lamps for germicidal irradiation, and an air filter to help remove viruses and bacteria. The EnviroKlenz® Air System Plus, for example, has been independently tested and is proven to remove 99.9% of viruses, allergens, bacteria, and more – giving everyone at a gathering peace of mind that they’re taking all possible precautions.
Portable Devices
The pandemic has fueled the emergence of different portable cleaning technologies that effectively sanitize objects and surfaces. These devices use UV light to disinfect the air, water, and nonporous surfaces within minutes to eliminate harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses. As people begin to gather more, it will be more difficult to stay healthy — so keeping high-touch items clean and disinfected with UV light is crucial. Products that sanitize your cell phone and other high-touch items, like the UV8LED by Utilimedic, provide ultra-fast UV-C LED sanitizing, eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria at the DNA level in just five minutes. With portable devices such as this, families can keep frequently touched items sanitized throughout the day, even while they are on the go in their car, or back at home.
Surfaces
COVID-19 is spread through “germ droplets” which can remain infectious on surfaces for many hours, and even longer on hard surfaces like plastic and stainless steel. While it may seem daunting to consistently keep surfaces disinfected against the virus, there are also products using UV lights to help keep counters, tables, chairs, and more safe and clean. For example, the Xenex LightStrike Robot uses UV light to disinfect and kill pathogens quickly, helping to keep a large area or room clean.
Following the pandemic, there will be a fundamental mindset shift when it comes to our health and safety. And while clean tech companies have been prioritizing it for years, people have never been more concerned with sanitation as we slowly find our new normal. Because of this, we see clean technology as a long-term investment.
George Negron is the Vice President of Customer Relations and Operations at Timilon
