In the midst of this world-wide pandemic, people are wanting to get back to normal indoor activities at home, work, school and play. To do that, we need to find better ways to reduce the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 illness. We can wear masks and practice social distancing, but that only works indoors for small groups of people. UV light, HEPA filters and ionizers are the current technologies being used in some building HVAC systems to reduce the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, these technologies have certain limitations as to how effective they can be. That is why Eldridge believes the best technology to combat COVID-19 is the CASPR device.
What is CASPR?
CASPR stands for Continuous Air and Surface Pathogen Reduction. The tested and proven CASPR technology uses UV light and a catalyst to generate hydrogen peroxide. Once airborne, the chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide make it highly attracted to bonding with airborne particles such as viruses, bacteria, molds and VOCs. In the case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, when hydrogen peroxide bonds with it, the virus becomes inactive and is not capable of causing the COVID-19 illness.
But reducing air borne pathogens is only half of what CASPR technology does. The airborne hydrogen peroxide that doesn’t bond with another particle evenly settles out of the air and lands on surfaces. It goes everywhere that a person can touch and come in contact with a dangerous pathogen. That means door handles, tabletops, keyboards and cell phones. Once on the surface of these items, hydrogen peroxide acts the same way that it does in the air by bonding to other particles on the surface. If the SARS-CoV-2 virus is left by someone on a door handle, it will be inactivated when the hydrogen peroxide lands on it.
Why Is CASPR the Best?
Here are the top reasons why we believe the CASPR is best technology to combat COVID-19, better than UV light, HEPA filters and ionizers:
- CASPR has the same effectiveness at reducing airborne pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, as these other technologies and it also does it on every surface within a building.
- CASPR is an active solution that can immediately attack pathogens when they become airborne such as when someone sneezes or coughs. UV lights and HEPA filters are passive and can only reduce pathogens when an HVAC system brings the pathogen to the device.
- CASPR is completely safe for people, pets and plants without creating any smells or dangerous gases. Ionizers can potentially create dangerous ozone gas.
- The CASPR in-duct units are quick and easy to install and don’t require any significant modifications to the HVAC system ductwork as is required to install UV lights and HEPA filters.
- Only CASPR units can claim to be completely maintenance free for two years. After that, replace the UV bulb and catalyst to enjoy another two years of maintenance free pathogen reduction.
Is it Affordable?
The cost to provide complete coverage of your facility with CASPR units is less than the cost of the other three technologies. For larger facilities over 5,000 square feet, CASPR can be installed for under $0.60 per square foot. For facilities between 1,000 and 5,000 square feet, the install cost ranges from $0.85 to $1.50 per square foot.
For most businesses, there is definitely a financial payback for installing CASPR units. In the short run, your business may be able to attract more customers to your location or improve employee productivity by getting them back to the office. In the long run, CASPR has been proven to reduce employee absenteeism in hospitals where it was installed by reducing seasonal illnesses such as colds and flu.
Where should CASPR be installed?
The simple answer is any place that wants better indoor air quality and to protect people from air and surface transmission of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. That means that any office, school, restaurant, daycare or food processing facility that wants to provide long-term protection for employees, customers and visitors should install CASPR’s induct or table-top units.
How to get Started?
Contact Eldridge and we will send one of our ventilation specialists to your facility and advise you on how many CASPR units are needed and where they should be installed. With a plan in place for complete coverage of your building, Eldridge will arrange for a licensed mechanical contractor to install and test the CASPR in-duct units. After that, you can enjoy the benefit of knowing that you have the best technology to combat COVID-19.