Research: Kronos Technology Captures Superfine Air Particles
The findings come amidst warnings by the National Academy of Science that poor indoor air quality has resulted in numerous chronic health complaints and increased cases of Asthma. The threat of airborne biohazards and concern over the outbreak of airborne infection is also at a high level. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many scientists believe it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs, which could have severe public health and financial impacts. Preparedness, notes the CDC, is critical.
"Given recent events, Kronos' ability to capture superfine particles that cause some of the most dangerous health hazards could mean a tremendous step forward for the transportation industry," said Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Bureau. "Transportation carriers will certainly want to look toward Kronos in their quest to provide safe and healthy cabin air quality."
"We are pleased with the findings of this independent testing, but even happier that our technology can help create safer and healthier environments in which people work, live and travel," said Dan Dwight, President and CEO of Kronos Advanced Technologies.
Why Particle Size Matters
According to researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, healthy
bodies can typically remove air particles larger than 2.5 microns in size
through the nose, upper or lower airways of the lungs, although people with
vulnerable lung conditions (lung or other chronic breathing conditions,
decreased lung capacity, children, and adults over 65) have decreased natural
filtration abilities. Smaller particles pass through the body's natural
defense mechanism.
Similarly, a HEPA-level filter can traditionally capture particles 300 nanometers (0.3 microns) in size and larger, although the capture rate can vary according to conditions. Neither a healthy body nor a HEPA filter can capture superfine particles below 300 nanometers in size, which are the particles considered the most dangerous because of their ability to penetrate deep into the lung and cause disease.
While further scientific research needs to be conducted to understand why some particles are dangerous and others are not, to put it into context, a human hair is an estimated 40.00 microns in size, mold spores are an estimated 0.10 microns, Avian (Bird) flu virus H5N1 0.10, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus range in size from an estimated 0.08 to 1.60, German Measles an estimated 0.07 and various strains of the common cold virus range in size from an estimated 0.03 to 0.11.
The History Behind the Technology
The Kronos technology moves, filters and purifies air by using state-of-
the-art high voltage electrodes rather than filters or fans. The underlying
principle -- ions moving through air will pull molecules with them -- was
actually first noted in 1709 by English scientist Francis Hauksbee. Kronos
has significantly magnified this effect by generating up to 1,700 feet per
minute of air movement and filtering smaller and more dangerous particles.
Kronos provides these benefits without the demand for external static pressure
requirements of HEPA and other mechanical filter type systems.
The technology can be embedded across existing environments or built as a standalone product. Since the technology has no moving parts, replacement costs and energy consumption levels are less, which enables residential and commercial buildings that have not installed air filtration systems -- an estimated 85 percent of the total U.S. market, to leverage the technology as well.
Kronos is actively pursing the commercialization of its technology with leaders in their respective industries. Current strategic partners include leaders in the business jet, automotive, consumer, retail and military markets.
SOURCE: Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc.