Diana Farah

Dubai: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a new scientific report stating that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 could be spread through the air during certain medical procedures, and possibly through crowded spaces.

Aero Shield is a Japanese technology, made by manufacturing company Eneforest, that could provide relief from fears of the reportedly airborne virus. With a UVC lamp placed inside the device, it forms a UV radiation layer near the ceiling, according to President of Unives Consulting Inc., Kenichi Kuroyanagi, who is representing Eneforest.

Aero Shield’s inventor Kihara Toshihiko came up with the idea for the technology after the nursing home his grandfather was staying in had a lot of pneumonia-related deaths.

Toshihiko said he considered the “air environment” and came up with the development.

“[The Aero Shield] inactivates various viruses, bacteria, and airborne microorganisms that cause mold and odor floating in the room that have risen to the irradiation layer due to air circulation,” he explained.

The Aero Shield can be placed in areas where ceilings go up to 210 centimeters or more, and work in spaces where people are.

It is also placed horizontally so that it allows the ultraviolet rays to be “emitted with directivity.”

“A safety management system is in place that requires measurement of the amount of UV light at the time of installation and at regular maintenance every six months,” Toshihiko said.

“The new coronavirus [COVID-19] is not as strong as other coronavirus groups such as influenza, according to CDC and research institutes. UVC ultraviolet rays can inactivate it in a few seconds,” he added.

The UVC UV rays can also inactivate mold spores, which are molds that can be found in damp spots.

Due to the rapid global spread of the pandemic, the demand for the product has been on the rise and “production has been unable to keep up.”

Since June, however, a system has been put in place to handle the high demand, according to Kuroyanagi.