Air purification’s role in outbreak prevention
Due to country-wide outbreaks, Canada recently lost its measles free designation status – a critical reminder for cleaning teams that cleanliness is about more than just what we see. Proper cleaning plays a critical role in outbreak prevention while supporting both facility health and appearance.
The Return of an Invisible Threat
Canada recorded over 5000 measles cases this year, two of which were fatal – a tragic exclamation mark on the loss of its measles free status held since 1998. While the long-term solution – improving vaccination coverage across Canada – is in motion, the short-term reality is that cleaning teams must double down on strategies to reduce viral transmission.
The Danger of Outbreaks
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that causes fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and rashes. While most people fully recover in 1-2 weeks, complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and in rare cases, death, can occur in vulnerable groups.
Indoor Air Quality is Key
Surface disinfection is only part of the solution when facing airborne threats like measles. Poor indoor air quality allows pathogens to circulate, increasing the risk of transmission in shared spaces, which makes air purification critical.
4 Steps to Pure Air
You might already have air purifiers, but are they really doing what you need them to do? True purification requires multiple processes that some commercial units lack, despite their claims. Look for these four key features to ensure your air purifier does what it needs to do:
1. Pre-Filter
Captures large particles like dust, hair, or animal dander.
2. HEPA Filter
HEPA filters are tested and certified to remove 99.97% of small particles such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria with a diameter of 0.3 microns – the particle size with the greatest chance to penetrate air filters.
H13-H14 Medical Grade HEPA filters are frequently used in medical facilities and high-quality air purification systems due to their enhanced filtration capacity. Avoid ‘HEPA-like’ or ‘HEPA-style’ filters as they don’t meet rigorous HEPA standards.
3. Carbon Filter
Activated carbon filters trap and remove gases, odours, chemicals, and VOCs from air.
4. UV-C Light
UV-C chambers damage the genetic material of airborne pathogens, effectively neutralizing airborne viruses like measles.
Pure Air. Healthy People.
Your daily cleaning protocols and equipment play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infection within your facilities. Speak to your Bunzl cleaning expert about infection control training and the products your team needs to maintain clean, healthy indoor environments.
