An evaluation of portable high-efficiency particulate air filtration for expedient patient isolation in epidemic and emergency response

Mead, Kenneth R.; Johnson, David L.

doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2004.07.451

Cited by 37 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 4 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…Current air disinfection technologies, such as the use of upper-room UV-C irradiation (Ultraviolet 254 nm), 15,16 high efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filtration 17 and photocatalysis, 18 have shortcomings. UV is associated with health risks, 19,20 requires the upper room installation of UV fixtures, and relies on a well-mixed air concept.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne bacterial inactivation using engineered water nanostructures

Pyrgiotakis¹,

McDevitt²,

Bordini³

et al. 2014

Environ. Sci.: Nano

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Airborne pathogens are associated with the spread of infectious diseases and increased morbidity and mortality. Herein we present an emerging chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne pathogen inactivation. This technique is based on transforming atmospheric water vapor into Engineered Water Nano-Structures (EWNS) via electrospray. The generated EWNS possess a unique set of physical, chemical, morphological and biological properties. Their average size is 25 nm and they contain reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. In addition, EWNS are highly electrically charged (10 electrons per particle on average). A link between their electric charge and the reduction of their evaporation rate was illustrated resulting in an extended lifetime (over an hour) at room conditions. Furthermore, it was clearly demonstrated that the EWNS have the ability to interact with and inactivate airborne bacteria. Finally, inhaled EWNS were found to have minimal toxicological effects, as illustrated in an acute in-vivo inhalation study using a mouse model. In conclusion, this novel, chemical free, nanotechnology-based method has the potential to be used in the battle against airborne infectious diseases.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne bacterial inactivation using engineered water nanostructures

Pyrgiotakis¹,

McDevitt²,

Bordini³

et al. 2014

Environ. Sci.: Nano

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Current air disinfection technologies, such as the use of upper-room UV irradiation (Ultraviolet 254 nm), 7 high efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filtration 8 and photocatalysis, 9 are restricted by their inherent limitations. UV is associated with health risks, 10 requires the upper room UV fixtures, and relies on a well-mixed air concept.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycobacteria inactivation using Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS)

Pyrgiotakis¹,

McDevitt²,

Gao³

et al. 2014

Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine

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Airborne transmitted pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cause serious, often fatal infectious disease with enormous global health implications. Due to their unique cell wall and slow growth, mycobacteria are among the most resilient microbial forms. Herein we evaluate the ability of an emerging, chemical-free, nanotechnology-based method to inactivate M. parafortuitum (Mtb surrogate). This method is based on the transformation of atmospheric water vapor into engineered water nano-structures (EWNS) via electrospray. We demonstrate that the EWNS can interact with and inactivate airborne mycobacteria, reducing their concentration levels significantly. Additionally, EWNS can inactivate M. parafortuitum on surfaces eight times faster than the control. The mechanism of mycobacteria inactivation was also investigated in this study. It was demonstrated that the EWNS effectively deliver the reactive oxygen species, encapsulated during the electrospray process, to the bacteria oxidizing their cell membrane resulting into inactivation. Overall, this is a method with the potential to become an effective intervention technology in the battle against airborne infections. From the Clinical Editor This study demonstrates the feasibility of mycobacterium inactivation in airborne form or on contact surfaces using electrospray activated water nano-structures. Given that the method is free of toxic chemicals, this might become an important tool in the prevention of mycobacterial infections, which are notoriously hard to treat.

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“…However, when the organism load is extremely high, negative-pressure units may not be 100% effective, because they leave live pathogen in the air or on surfaces. [22][23][24][25] Increased efficacy can be realized by supplementing negative-pressure isolation systems with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system.…”

Section: Engineering Controlsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Respiratory Hygiene in the Emergency Department

Rothman¹,

Irvin²,

Moran³

et al. 2007

Journal of Emergency Nursing

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The emergency department (ED) is an essential component of the public health response plan for control of acute respiratory infectious threats. Effective respiratory hygiene in the ED is imperative to limit the spread of dangerous respiratory pathogens, including influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, and bioterrorism agents, particularly given that these agents may not be immediately identifiable. Sustaining effective respiratory control measures is especially challenging in the ED because of patient crowding, inadequate staffing and resources, and ever-increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. Threat of contagion exists not only for ED patients but also for visitors, health care workers, and inpatient populations. Potential physical sites for respiratory disease transmission extend from out-of-hospital care, to triage, waiting room, ED treatment area, and the hospital at large. This article presents a summary of the most current information available in the literature about respiratory hygiene in the ED, including administrative, patient, and legal issues. Wherever possible, specific recommendations and references to practical information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are provided. The "Administrative Issues" section describes coordination with public health departments, procedures for effective facility planning, and measures for health care worker protection (education, staffing optimization, and vaccination). The patient care section addresses the potentially infected ED patient, including emergency medical services concerns, triage planning, and patient transport. "Legal Issues" discusses the interplay between public safety and patient privacy. Emergency physicians play a critical role in early identification, treatment, and containment of potentially lethal respiratory pathogens. This brief synopsis should help clinicians and administrators understand, develop, and implement appropriate policies and procedures to address respiratory hygiene in the ED.

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An evaluation of portable high-efficiency particulate air filtration for expedient patient isolation in epidemic and emergency response

Cited by 37 publications

References 4 publications

A chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne bacterial inactivation using engineered water nanostructures

A chemical free, nanotechnology-based method for airborne bacterial inactivation using engineered water nanostructures

Mycobacteria inactivation using Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS)

Respiratory Hygiene in the Emergency Department

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