# Study on the Effectiveness of a Copper Electrostatic Filtration System “Aerok 1.0” for Air Disinfection

## TL;DR

This study tested the effectiveness of the Aerok 1.0 device in reducing airborne microbes, particles, and pollen in an indoor setting.

## Contribution

The study introduces a standardized model for evaluating air disinfection devices using real-world indoor conditions.

## Key findings

- Aerok 1.0 reduced airborne bacterial contamination by 44-69% using different sampling methods.
- Fungal contamination decreased by 39% with active sampling.
- Airborne particles and pollen/Alternaria spore ratios significantly dropped indoors.

## Abstract

Background: Bioaerosols can represent a danger to health. During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, portable devices were used in different environments and considered a valuable prevention tool. This study has evaluated the effectiveness of the air treatment device “AEROK 1.0®” in reducing microbial, particulate, and pollen airborne contamination indoors, during normal activity. Methods: In an administrative room, airborne microbial contamination was measured using active (DUOSAS 360 and MD8) and passive sampling; a particle counter was used to evaluate particle concentrations; a Hirst-type pollen trap was used to assess airborne pollen and Alternaria spores. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0; p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The airborne bacterial contamination assessed by the two different samplers decreased by 56% and 69%, respectively. The airborne bacterial contamination assessed by passive sampling decreased by 44%. For fungi, the reduction was 39% by active sampling. Airborne particles (diameters ≥ 1.0, 2.0 μm) and the ratio of indoor/outdoor concentrations of total pollen and Alternaria spp. spores significantly decreased. Conclusions: The results highlight the effectiveness of AEROK 1.0® in reducing airborne contamination. The approach carried out represents a contribution to the definition of a standardized model for evaluating the effectiveness of devices to be used for air disinfection.