Microorganisms have accompanied us since the dawn of mankind, they are an integral part of life. Many bacteria are conducive to humans, supporting the proper functioning of their bodies. Unfortunately, there are also harmful microorganisms that can cause diseases, even fatal ones.
SPECTRA microbiological protection, and the safety of ventilation ducts in times of threat from legionella bacteria
© INGREMIO
One such bacteria is legionella pneumophila, which causes the dangerous respiratory disease legionellosis. Recently, there have been more cases of the disease than usual, although the threat is not entirely new. An indication of how high the risk of legionella infection is is the fact that about 90% of adults have antibodies, which tells us that these people have already been in contact with the bacterium. The questions on the minds of many of us are: how to catch the infection and what to do to minimize the risk of legionella in our environment. Infection is possible through inhalation of a water-air aerosol that contains the bacteria. The danger is therefore posed by places where moisture collects, such as ventilation systems, among others. In their ducts, a harmful biofilm, or colony of bacteria, forms invisible to the human eye. To prevent disease, it is very important to keep such places clean and prevent the growth of dangerous microorganisms. This is where SPECTRA microbiological protection comes to the rescue.
SPECTRA microbiological protection, and the safety of ventilation ducts in times of danger from legionella bacteria
© INGREMIO
In 2020, Ingremio created and patented the SPECTRA polymer additive for microbiological protection, which was implemented in AirFlex SPECTRA ventilation ducts. SPECTRA was developed in collaboration with scientists during months of research. Among other things, it contains silver and copper known for their antibacterial and antifungal effects. The bactericidaleffect of the first-generation SPECTRA additive was confirmed by testing the antimicrobial properties in a 24-hour test, where the results indicated that the reduction of legionella pneumophila bacteria in air ducts was more than 66%. The intensity of the incidence of infections with the aforementioned bacterium prompted Ingremio to take additional measures, as a result of which the structure of the SPECTRA additive was modified and a spectacular 99.94% reduction in legionella pneumophila bacteria was achieved. AirFlex SPECTRA air ducts with enhanced microbiological protection were put into production at the end of September this year.
SPECTRA microbiological protection, and the safety of ventilation ducts in times of legionella risk
© INGREMIO
It is important to emphasize that the use of ventilation ducts with SPECTRA microbiological protection in buildings improves the safety of the occupants not only by protecting them from legionella. SPECTRA microbiological protection is also effective against other bacteria and fungi that are dangerous to humans. This was confirmed in a 24-hour test, where the following results of effectiveness in reducing bacteria were obtained: escherichia coli 98.0%, staphylococcus aureus 99.7%, legionella pneumophila 99.94%, pseudomonas aeruginosa 98.6%, salmonella enterica 99.7% - tests according to ISO 22196:2011. Tests of SPECTRY's effectiveness against inhibiting fungal growth also showed tremendous efficiency, where a result close to 100% was obtained for all tested fungi, i.e. aspergillus brasiliensis, candida albicans, saccharomyces cerevisiae, penicillium expansum - tests according to ISO 846:2019.
SPECTRA microbiological protection, and the safety of ventilation ducts in times of threat from legionella bacteria
© INGREMIO
It is also important that the products in which SPECTRA is used, thanks to the unique technology of its production, are completely safe for humans, animals and plants. The active substances contained in it are mainly silver and copper. Migration studies completely confirm that regardless of temperature, humidity or other factors, the active substances do not escape from the polymer matrix in which they are placed. In addition to the lack of migration, the SPECTRY production technology developed by Ingremio also ensures the absence of ionization and elution, which guarantees long-lasting, estimated decades of effectiveness in microbiological protection at a constant level.
SPECTRA microbiological protection, and the safety of air ducts in times of threat of legionella bacteria
© INGREMIO
Investing in AirFlex SPECTRA safe ventilation ducts is incomparably less than the cost and consequences of losing health due to microbial infection that can develop in inadequate ventilation. Thanks to advances in science and the development of technology, we have the opportunity to take care of the microbiological purity of the air we breathe - safety and health are values that cannot be overestimated.
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