FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The deadly new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has now killed more than 80 people and infected thousands around the world.
Infected people spread the virus through coughing, sneezing or talking. Droplets from an infected person get into the air and are inhaled by people nearby. Anyone within three feet can easily be infected. Germs are also spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the germ, and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. According to the CDC, high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently than surfaces with minimal hand contact.
In the US, five cases have been confirmed and more than 100 additional people are “under investigation” for the new strain of coronavirus in 26 states according to Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC.
New products and technologies that are developed to help fight deadly microorganisms are available, but barriers to implementation exist according to Kelly Pyrek. One such innovative infection prevention and control product is the EMist electrostatic disinfectant sprayer. Used to apply disinfectant during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, EMist is once again seeing increased interest in its patented technology to apply pathogen killing chemicals.
“The agricultural and automotive industries have used electrostatic technology for decades to provide a more efficient and cost-effective method of applying chemicals and paint. We use this science to apply disinfectants. Electrostatic application of chemicals dramatically increases droplet attraction and attachment to surfaces. In fact, research indicates that electrostatic application is 8 times more effective than using an uncharged sprayer. This deposition of disinfectant happens when atomized droplets are discharged from the equipment nozzle and form a solid, uniform coating on the target surface,” said Joshua Robertson, President of EMist.
Infection prevention and control interim guidance provided by the World Health Organization state that environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures should be followed consistently and correctly. Thorough cleaning of environmental surfaces with water and detergent and applying commonly used hospital level disinfectants (such as sodium hypochlorite) is an effective and sufficient procedure.
Infection Control Measures
The CDC provides useful guidance and resources for coronavirus and 2019-nCoV infection control measures including:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth and nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant.
According to EMist, applying disinfectants electrostatically is more efficient and effective than spray-and-wipe. “For most disinfectants to work, a targeted surface must be completely coated and remain wet for 10 minutes. Plus, all targeted surfaces need to be disinfected correctly – not just “high-touch” areas. Spray-and-wipe is hit-and-miss, leaving whole areas not disinfected. With electrostatic disinfection, every surface can be coated in less time, using less chemical, and with better outcomes,” said George Robertson, CEO of EMist.
About EMist
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, EMist develops electrostatic disinfectant application systems to deliver safer surfaces at lower costs, while reducing manpower and keeping people healthy. EMist is a leading electrostatic technology company providing world-class products and services and is committed to stopping the unnecessary spread of sickness and infection in every community. For more information about electrostatic sprayers for disinfectant application, visit EMist.com.