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We are committed to achieving 80% reduction in community and healthcare acquired infections by 2024.
CHAIR has identified best practices to reduce healthcare acquired infection including engineered solutions, new technologies and new approaches. Examples of these are the use of antimicrobial UV light, advances in plumbing systems to reduce bacteria, and the development of products with antimicrobial touch surfaces.
CHAIR strongly believes UV technology is key to our goal of reducing healthcare acquired infections by 80% in the next decade.
UV germicidal irradiation, or UVGI, is a highly effective but underused technology to reduce airborne and surface bacteria.
There is a long history of investigations concluding that, if used properly, UVGI can be safe and highly effective in disinfecting the air, thereby preventing transmission of a variety of airborne infections. Despite this long history, many infection control professionals are not familiar with the history of UVGI and how it has been used for safe and effective infection reduction.
CHAIR strongly believes UV technology is key to our goal of reducing healthcare acquired infections by 80% in the next decade.
Our focus is on testing UV systems that are:
HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. of Energy).
This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). The diameter specification of 0.3 microns responds to the worst case; the most penetrating particle size (MPPS). Particles that are larger or smaller are trapped with even higher efficiency. Using the worst case particle size results in the worst case efficiency rating (i.e. 99.97% or better for all particle sizes).
All air cleaners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly. Follow manufacturer's recommendations on maintenance and replacement.
|
Merv Rating |
Average Particle Size Efficiency in Microns |
| 1-4 | 3.0 - 10.0 less then 20% |
| 6 | 3.0 - 10.0 49.9% |
| 8 | 3.0 - 10.0 84.9% |
| 10 |
1.0 - 3.0 50% - 64.9%, 3.0 - 10.0 85% or greater |
| 12 | 1.0 - 3.0 80% - 89.9%, 3.0 - 10.0 90% or greater |
| 14 | 0.3 - 1.0 75% - 84%, 1.0 - 3.0 90% or greater |
| 16 | 0.3 - 1.0 75% or greater |
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs, report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm).
This value is helpful in comparing the performance of different filters
The rating is derived from a test method developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
The higher the MERV rating the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles.
Do you want to learn more about contributing to safe spaces? Take a look at our resources.
