A Ballymena manufacturing company has developed an air purification device for use in public places which has the ability to detect Covid-19.
Diagnostics firm CIGA Healthcare’s ceiling mounted device also eradicates 99.9% of pathogens - including viruses, bacteria and moulds – and is designed for use in hospitals, offices, bars and restaurants.
PlasmaGuard is already in use in thousands of sites across the US and can be incorporated into existing air conditioning systems.
The air purification system uses non-thermal cold plasma technology and can be incorporated into existing air conditioning systems.
CIGA Healthcare CEO Irwin Armstrong, said the device is unique.
“When a change in your indoor air quality is detected, the sensor notifies the smart hub to initiate the Plasmaguard to respond in real time. The system then operates to destroy the pollutants until the sensor verifies that your air is clean again,” said Mr Armstrong. “It is 99.994% effective against Covid-19.
“Today, many facilities use highly ineffective simple dust filters, UV lighting, or weak ionizers. They have shown little evidence in providing safety from harmful airborne pathogens distributed through air conditioning systems”.
CIGA Healthcare was established in 2005 by Irwin Armstrong and has grown rapidly over the years.
Based in Ballymena, the firm now supplies a wide range of over-the-counter and professional tests to pharmacies and healthcare services under its own brand Suresign. In 2012, subsidiary CIGA Healthcare LLC was established as part of the company’s expansion into the American market.
