FAQ

General

1 - Q: What is ActivePure Technology?

A: ActivePure Technology is an air and surface purification solution based on a concept originally developed to scrub ethylene from the air during space travel. Devices with this Certified Space Technology¹ have been proven by both laboratory and field testing to actively reduce bacteria, viruses, mold spores², and VOC gases³ in indoor spaces. Full list of tested pathogens can be found on scientific-proof.

2 - Q: How does ActivePure Technology work?

A: When sunlight hits water vapor, it produces reactive, oxygen-based molecules; these molecules bind with viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and unwanted gases—inactivating them at the molecular level. ActivePure Technology creates and distributes these same air-scrubbing particles indoors by shining a shielded 254 nm UV light on a proprietary catalyst inside a patented honeycomb matrix.

3 - Q: What is meant by “air scrubbing particles”?

A: ActivePure Technology produces reactive oxygen species. These scrubbing molecules are distributed throughout the room⁴ where they pull apart bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds in the air, as well as reduce bacteria, viruses, and mold spores on surfaces⁵. This makes ActivePure an active (as opposed to passive) purification method.

Distinguishing ActivePure From Other Technologies

1 - Q: What is an "active purification technology" and how is it different from passive cleaning technologies?

A: Passive air cleaning technologies require that a contaminant first pass through a mechanism in order to be eliminated from the air. For instance, a filter draws air through it to capture contaminants. Active purification technologies-such as ActivePure Technology-work *outside the unit, in the room itself. Even if air doesn't pass through ActivePure's proprietary cell, contaminants can still be inactivated by the scrubbing molecules which are distributed throughout the room⁶.

2 - Q: Does ActivePure Technology reduce dust, smoke, pollen, or dander⁷?

A: ActivePure is a purification technology for use against bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and VOC gases. Many devices with technology also make use of a HEPA filter to address dust, smoke, pollen, dander, and other particulates.

3 - Q: What is your response to this statement from the CDC? "Portable HEPA filtration units that combine a HEPA filter with a powered fan system are a preferred option for auxiliary air cleaning, especially in higher-risk settings such as health clinics, vaccination and medical testing locations, workout rooms, or public waiting areas." Center for Disease Control. (2021). "Ventilation in Buildings." cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html

A: HEPA filters are a passive technology. At ActivePure, we don't believe people can afford to wait for a pathogen to move across the room before it is neutralized. People both need and deserve active purification technology that operates 24/7 throughout the entire room to improve air quality. The ActivePure Medical Guardian is certified as a Class II Medical Device for use in healthcare settings.

4 - Q: Why use ActivePure Technology instead of a homemade Corsi-Rosenthal box?

A: Corsi-Rosenthal boxes rely on filters and thus are passive technology. This means they must wait for contaminants to pass through the filters in order to be effective. ActivePure Technology is active purification, which means it meets and neutralizes contaminants out in the room.

One must also consider space. The very largest ActivePure machine (designed for large public spaces such as gymnasiums) takes up a little over 2 cubic feet of space. A Corsi-Rosenthal box with a 20-inch box fan would take up over twice that. Because of this ActivePure Technology can be installed in elevators, buses, cars, and right inside HVAC systems, while Corsi-Rosenthal boxes cannot. This is not to say that Corsi-Rosenthal boxes don't make an excellent, economical way to reduce pollen, smoke, and dust. However, as many purifiers with ActivePure Technology include a HEPA filter, they render Corsi-Rosenthal boxes redundant.

5 - Q: How is ActivePure distinct from other purification technologies

A: Please see each individual technology below.
ActivePure is not an air filter such as HEPA or MERV 13. Pathogens may not be inactivated by filters8; they are merely trapped. Filters are passive systems, so they must wait for airborne pathogens to come to them. ActivePure is not traditional ionization. Ionizers use electricity to produce ions; these ions impart an electrical charge to nearby particles, clumping themtogether and causing them to fall out of the air. Ionizers may also inactivate pathogens incidentally, but their primary goal is to cause particles to fall out of theair and onto surfaces. Particles that fall to a surface can easily be stirred up once more9. ActivePure is not a ventilation solution.
Increasing ventilation and filtration in indoor spaces will potentially require the replacement of both older HVAC systems and modern highly engineered HVAC systems
Increasing airflow through denser filters may increase the carbon footprint of those using these new systems and filters, this effect could also be compounded by increasing the amount of air needing to be heated or cooled. Bringing more outdoor air in at the wrong time of day can potentially increase particulate matter10.
ActivePure is not UVGI purification. Robot-style Whole Room UV light is extremely powerful but has some key disadvantages. Whole Room UV only treats what is directly exposed to the UV light. Whole Room UV can only be used in unoccupied rooms as it is harmful to the eyes and skin. Wall-mounted UV lights must be shielded, making them a passive technology. It is not easy to calibrate a UVGI system so that it inactivates pathogens during the time they are exposed. UVGI does not reduce unwanted gases11. Read more about ActivePure vs. UVGI at: blog.activepure.com/indoor-air-ultraviolet-tech-2/.
wActivePure is not PCO technology. Early generation PCO-type air cleaners can generate ozone and VOC gases12, potentially making them unsafe to use in indoor environments. ActivePure is not a chemical surface disinfectant. Surface disinfectants are chemical agents that can kill or eliminate microorganisms on surfaces. Surface disinfectants introduce chemicals into the environments. Most surface disinfectants do not protect against microbes re-introduced after application

Read more about ActivePure Technology vs. other methods on our blog.

Technology

1 - Q: I've heard that PCO devices end up producing harmful byproducts such as VOC gases?

A: ActivePure is not PCO.¹³ While the technologies are similar, ActivePure's proprietary catalyst doesn't become saturated like PCO's catalyst, allowing for the complete breakdown of VOC gases. For instance, after the ActivePure/Aerus Medical Guardian operated for eight hours in a non-ventilated chamber, the levels of many common VOC gases remain undetectable or the same as outdoor levels.¹⁴

2 - Q: Does ActivePure Technology shed titanium dioxide dust?

A: According to an extensive study¹⁵ of ActivePure devices under field conditions, "In all cases, titanium dioxide levels were found to be below levels of concern."

3 - Q: Did the CDC recommend against devices that produce gaseous hydrogen peroxide?

A: No, the CDC "does not provide recommendations for, or against, any manufacturer or product." They advise consumers that many air cleaning technologies are "emerging." Thus, consumers should "request testing data that quantitatively demonstrates a clear protective benefit and occupant safety under conditions consistent with the intended use." Center for Disease Control. (2021). "Ventilation in Buildings." cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html. ActivePure (founded in 1924) invests millions into regularly testing its products to provide customers with this data.

4 - Q: Superoxide and hydroxyl ions are negatively charged ions. Isn't negative ionization dangerous?

A: Negative ionization's dangers mostly stem from negative atomic ions, such as the hydrogen anion H−. Purifiers that produce this aim to clump particles together, which some studies suggest may cause them to stick to the lungs.¹⁶ In contrast, superoxide and hydroxyl are negative molecular ions, which aim to deactivate germs directly rather than clumping them together.¹⁷

5 - Q: "Hydroxyl radical" sounds like "free radical." Aren't free radicals bad?

A: Hydroxyl radicals help clean the outdoor air every day;¹⁸ ActivePure Technology merely creates these molecules indoors too. As an additional assurance, a 90-day study of the effect of ActivePure Technology on mice recently had its preliminary data presented at a university Q&A. The preliminary data shows the following: "exposure to PCO technology showed no differences in appearance, social behavior, and more importantly, blood chemistry."¹⁹ Two other such studies are currently in progress.

6 - Q: Does ActivePure Technology produce ozone?

A: Every electronic device has the potential to produce a negligible amount of unintentional ozone. The California Air Resource Board (CARB) requires that air cleaning devices do not produce more than 0.05 ppm of ozone.²⁰ At least seven devices containing ActivePure Technology are certified by CARB. The Aerus Beyond Guardian Air, for instance, has been shown to produce a peak ozone level of 0.0008 ppm-less than 0.02% of CARB's permissible limit.²¹

Efficacy

1 - Q: How effective is ActivePure Technology against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19)?

A: The Aerus Pure & Clean/Vollara Air & Surface Pro successfully reduced airborne SARS-CoV-2 viral particles below the detectable limits in ONE minute in an enclosed space under laboratory conditions.²²

2 - Q: What else has ActivePure Technology been proven to do?

A: Unaffiliated laboratories have completed extensive testing to prove that devices with ActivePure Technology-when used as directed-can eliminate up to 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and mold spores in the air within minutes, and on surfaces within hours. For instance: the ActivePure/Aerus Medical Guardian eliminated 99.99% of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Gram-positive Bacteria, Aspergillus Niger fungal mold, and Bacillus Globigii bacterial mold within 60 minutes or less.²³ Full list of tested pathogens is available here.

3 - Q: How effective is ActivePure Technology under field conditions?

A: With over 75 products featuring ActivePure Technology, virtually any indoor space can be outfitted with a custom solution. We have run dozens of tests over the years that validate the efficacy of ActivePure Technology in live field settings.

4 - Q: Reactive oxygen species are so reactive they have a very short half-life. How do you keep them distributed throughout the room so that they can reach contaminants?

A: An unaffiliated lab developed a test using chemical-treated strips of paper to determine if ActivePure was producing sufficient hydroxyls out in the room to be effective. They concluded the following: "The unit used as directed, will produce the expected OH in air [24/7] as is intended by the manufacturer."²⁴

5 - Q: Is ActivePure Technology effective?

A: An extensive field study of ActivePure devices²⁵ in a real-world school setting had this to say:
"It is reasonable to assume that: If used according to manufacturer's recommendations and in combination with an appropriate cleaning program, the tested devices [ActivePure] will safely and continuously eliminate viral particles in air, reduce bacterial loads and minimize other ambient dusts."²⁶

Economics & Environmental

1- Q: How can ActivePure Technology help your organization's budget pressures?

A: Pandemic guidance suggests increasing ventilation while only briefly acknowledging what kind of economic impact this might have on the existing infrastructure. Building ventilation is a complicated field that requires balancing energy efficiency, temperature, humidity, indoor contaminants, and outdoor contaminants. Regarding the latter especially, bringing in outside air at the wrong time of day might increase particulate matter indoors. Also, nervous employees are less likely to return to the office. According to an ADP survey of workers in 17 countries, "[64%] of the workforce would consider looking for a new job if they were required to return to the office full time."²⁷ ActivePure is trusted by businesses that want to keep their employees in the office, schools that want to keep their students in classrooms, and restaurants that want to keep their patrons dining in.

2 - Q: How quickly can your units be installed?

A: Each induct unit can be installed in less than an hour by your in-house maintenance personnel. Our portable units require no HVAC modifications at all and can begin operating immediately.

3 - Q: How much maintenance is required?

A: When used as directed, we recommend replacing ActivePure cells once a year; this is comparable to the maintenance of other cleaning technologies. HEPA filters and activated carbon filters in ActivePure units need replacement about once every 6 to 12 months. All these replacements can be performed by in-house personnel in a matter of minutes.

4 - Q: Why does ActivePure Technology claim to have a low carbon footprint?

A: ActivePure devices don't require installing high-MERV filters which can strain the HVAC system and increase energy costs. Also, most units use about as much electricity as a light bulb.

5 - Q: How can installing ActivePure Technology aid your organization's ESG (Environmental/Social/Governance) goals?

A: By installing a solution with a low-carbon footprint that does not leave residual surface chemicals, ActivePure Technology can be an integral part of your organization's energy and environmental goals. Your commitment to employee/staff/customer/student peace of mind may also boost your reputation for good governance and social responsibility.

To learn more, please contact us!

Citations

1. Space Foundation. (2017). “Radiant Catalytic Ionization Air & Water Purification.” SpaceFoundation.org. spacefoundation.org/space_certification_/radiant-catalytic-ionization-air-water-purification/ (Note that ActivePure Technology was formerly referred to as Radiant Catalytic Ionization or RCI.)

2. Aerus. (2021). “Proof Book” [Internal Compilation of Studies] Beyond by Aerus.

3. Lighthouse & ResInnova. (2021). “The School District of [Redacted] ActivePure Air System Study.” Lighthouse Environmental Infection Prevention.

4. Pennoni. (2022). “ActivePure Technologies: Risk Assessment” [White Paper/Unpublished Lab Study]. Pennoni Associates Inc.

5. activepure.com/scientific-proof/

6. Pennoni. (2022). “ActivePure Technologies: Risk Assessment” [White Paper/Unpublished Lab Study]. Pennoni Associates Inc.

7. Since pollen and dander have complex protein structures which might be affected by various reactive oxygen species, ActivePure could hypothetically aid in their neutralization. Further study is required.

8. Hammond, A., et al. (April 2021). “Should homes and workplaces purchase portable air filters to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections? A systematic review.” PLoS ONE 16(4): e0251049. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251049

9. (2021). “Do Ionic Air Purifiers Work?” Black-Mold-Guide.com. black-mold-guide.com/do-ionic-air-purifiers-work.html

10. Lv, Yang, et al. (2017). “The Correlation between Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter of Different Building Types in Daqing, China” Procedia Engineering, 205(360-367) doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.10.002.

11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2008). “Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.” EPA.gov. epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-07/documents/aircleaners.pdf

12. Concordia University. (2015). “Certain air filters using photocatalytic oxidation have dangerous by-product, study shows: Dangerous by-products released by a filter already in commercial use.” ScienceDaily. sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150715130835.htm

13. Please note that one of ActivePure’s distributors sells a single product that uses PCO technology, but this product is distinct from ActivePure Technology. beyondbyaerus.com/globalassets/sellsheets/PS_GuardianAngel.pdf

14. Aerus. (2019). “Aerus Medical Guardian Organic Oxidation Byproducts.” Aerus.

15. Pennoni. (2022). “Report of Findings: Executive Summary ActivePure Technologies: Risk Assessment” [White Paper/Unpublished Lab Study]. Pennoni Associates Inc.

16. Ali, Mohammed. (March 2009). “Measurements of electrodynamic effects on the deposition of MDI and DPI aerosols in a replica cast of human oral-pharyngeal-laryngeal airways.” Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 22(1):35-44. liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jamp.2007.0637

17. Please note that one of ActivePure’s distributors sells a single product that uses traditional ionization, but this product does not contain ActivePure Technology. beyondbyaerus.com/globalassets/sellsheets/PS_GuardianAngel.pdf

18. Forster, P., et al. (2007). “Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing. In: Climate Change “The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Solomon, S., et al. Ed.) Cambridge University Press.

19. Niemiec et al. These results have yet to be formally published, but the results have been shared with ActivePure. Contact your local distributor for more details.

20. California Air Resources Board. (2010). “California’s Regulation to Limit Ozone Emissions from Indoor Air Cleaning Devices.” ARB.CA.gov. ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/californias-regulation-limit-ozone-emissions-indoor-air-cleaning-devices

21. Intertek (2013). “BGA Ozone Report.” Intertek.

22. Lawrence, William S. & Peel, Jennifer E. (2022). “ActivePure Air Purifier Against Respiratory Pathogens” [Unpublished Lab Study]. University of Texas Medical Branch.

23. Aerus. (2021). “Proof Book” [Internal Compilation] Beyond by Aerus.

24. Pennoni. (2022). “Report of Findings: Executive Summary ActivePure Technologies: Risk Assessment” [White Paper/Unpublished Lab Study]. Pennoni Associates Inc.

25. Devices tested in this study: Beyond Guardian Air, Pure & Clean, and AP500.

26. Pennoni. (2022). “Report of Findings: Executive Summary ActivePure Technologies: Risk Assessment” [White Paper/Unpublished Lab Study]. Pennoni Associates Inc.

27. ADP. (2022). “ADP Research Institute® Reveals Pandemic-Sparked Shift in Workers’ Priorities and Expectations in New Global Study.” mediacenter.adp.com/2022-04-25-ADP-Research-Institute-R-Reveals-Pandemic-Sparked-Shift-in-Workers-Priorities-and-Expectations-in-New-Global-Study

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