More than 5,000 coronaviruses have been identified but only seven can be transmitted to humans, including SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the COVID-19 disease. It is highly contagious. Infection occurs particularly via aerosols (tiny droplets) from respiratory secretions, most especially in enclosed spaces. Keeping the purest possible indoor air is both a health precaution and a preventive measure.
Coronaviruses constitute a large family of viruses. They are named so because of the crown-shaped tips on their surfaces (Figure 1 - below). They measure from 60 to 200 nm in diameter.
Only seven of them are identified as transmissible to humans and from humans:
229E
NL63
OC43
HKU1
MERS-CoV
SARS-CoV
The first four coronaviruses cause mild symptoms and are responsible for 15-30% of colds while the last three caused fatal epidemics in 2003, 2012, and 2020.
Figure 1: Coronaviruses visible under an electron microscope, colorized.
Credits: BSIP / UIG - Getty
The 229E strain is the one used for the tests of the EOLIS Air Manager air purifier carried out by Eolisair’s head office. The results obtained, under the supervision of an independent laboratory, demonstrated an efficiency of up to 99.6% in just 10 minutes.
Coronaviruses are differentiated according to their RNA based genome
In detail, coronaviruses are composed of four main components (Figure 2):
Protrusions that play a key role when the virus enters host cells
The envelope and membrane that allow the virus to leave host cells while preserving the viral load. This envelope is a key factor in the virus’ infectious nature.
Nucleocapsids which are part of the RNA (Ribonucleic Acid is present in all human beings, and some viruses. It is closely related to DNA) of the virus: these allow the virus to multiply.
Figure 2: Diagram of a Coronavirus
The difference from one coronavirus to another lies in the composition of its RNA genome. By way of example, the genome of SARS-CoV-2 is 79% identical to that of SARS-CoV and 50% to that of MERS-CoV.
SARS-CoV-2 virus should not be confused with COVID-19 disease
While the two names are often used interchangeably, strictly speaking, the infectious respiratory disease COVID-19 is caused in humans by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Its name comes from:
Co for Corona
Vi for virus
D for disease
19 for the year of its appearance: 2019
Why is the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus so contagious?
SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious for two main reasons:
It has a very significant ability to multiply in the host organism.
It is transmitted via aerosols or fine droplets from respiratory secretions which are expelled by an infected person. These secretions can be deposited on objects or body parts (especially the hands).
Why are Eolisair professional air purifiers effective in fighting the SARS-CoV-2 virus and reducing the risk of COVID-19?
Figure 3: Eolis Air Manager's Innovative Filtration Technologies
The professional air purifier EOLIS Air Manager uses 5 effective technologies against the virus to guarantee the purest possible indoor air:
· A biocidal pre-filter certified to EN 14476 and EN 1276.
· An EN 1822 certified HEPA H13 filter which filters at least 99.97% of particles with a diameter of 0.3 µm or more. HEPA filters are also proven to be effective in capturing particles <0.1 µm in size. The tests carried out in the laboratory by Eolisair’s main office confirm this effectiveness.
· The UV-C lamps used by Eolisair have a dominant wavelength of 254 nanometers and modify the structure of the virus's RNA. This modification interrupts viral growth and proliferation.
· The photocatalysis produces oxidizing and reducing agents that deteriorate the virus.
· Active oxygen destroys microorganisms in the air by oxidation.
Contact us to learn more about this revolutionary air purification technology: www.eolisair.com/contact
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