Panasonic : Inhibitory effect on the novel coronavirus confirmed through testing of Panasonic's air conditioners with nanoeX technology
January 22, 2021 at 07:05 am EST
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Panasonic Corporation ('Panasonic') announced on January 14, 2021, that the inhibitory effect on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) of a representative Panasonic air conditioner equipped with nanoe X1 was verified by Texcell2, a global contract research organization.
Texcell confirmed an inhibitory effect of 91.4% on the novel coronavirus after eight hours in a 6.7m3 area.
nanoe X is a technology that collects invisible moisture in the air and applies a high voltage to it to produce hydroxyl radicals contained in water. Hydroxyl radicals inhibit the growth of pollutants such as bacteria and viruses. They are characterized by being strongly oxidative and highly reactive, hence a short life span. Contained in tiny water particles, nanoe X has a long lifespan and can spread over long distances. It has an inhibitory effect on both airborne and adhered substances.
In September 2020, Panasonic verified, in collaboration with Texcell2 , the inhibitory effect of nanoe X technology with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals on the novel coronavirus in a small test space of 45L using a nanoe X generator. For further investigation, Panasonic conducted additional tests using a Panasonic air conditioner equipped with nanoe X technology in a larger test space. In these circumstances, Texcell confirmed that nanoe X had a 91.4% inhibitory effect on the novel coronavirus in a space of 6.7m3 in eight hours using an air conditioner with nanoe X. This testing was carried out in a closed laboratory environment and was not designed to assess efficacy in uncontrolled living spaces.
Panasonic has been researching nanoe technology since 1997. Over the past 20 years, Panasonic has verified its effectiveness in a variety of areas, including inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) and allergens, and breaking down PM 2.5 components that have adverse effects on the human body2.
Panasonic plans to continue to pursue the potential of nanoe X technology to address possible risks associated with air pollution such as new pathogenic microorganisms, to create healthy environments for people around the world.
For reference: Testing the inhibitory effect of an air conditioner with nanoe X on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in a space of 6.7m3.
Overview
A comparative verification was conducted in a space of 6.7m3 containing the novel coronavirus. (SARS-CoV-2)
Results
Over 91% of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) activity was inhibited within 8 hours. Note: This verification was designed to generate basic research data on the effects of nanoe X on the novel coronavirus in laboratory conditions different from those found in living spaces.
A Panasonic Air Conditioner with nanoe X was installed in a space of 6.7m3.
Gauze saturated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus solution was exposed to a Panasonic Air Conditioner with nanoe X from a distance of 0.7m in a 6.7m3 room for 24 hours.
The virus infectious titre was measured and used to calculate the inhibition rate.
Panasonic Holdings Corporation (formerly Panasonic Corporation) specializes in manufacturing and marketing of consumer electronic equipments. Net sales (including intragroup) break down by family of products as follows:
- domestic equipments, appliances and audiovisual equipment (42.5%): lighting devices, photovoltaic devices, wiring devices, health and care devices, furnishing materials, air conditioning and ventilation equipments, air purifiers, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dryers, vacuum cleaners, irons, microwaves, fans, cooking appliances, dishwashers, TVs, digital cameras, audio and video equipment, fixed telephones, showcases, etc.;
- electronic and electromechanical components (13.2%): relays, switches, power supply systems, industrial motors and sensors, capacitors, coils, resistors, materials for electronic circuits, semiconductors, LCD panels, etc.;
- automotive multimedia equipment and electronic accessories (12.4%);
- avionics, industrial automation, communication and entertainment systems (10.8%): in-flight entertainment and communication systems, electronic component assembly machines, welding equipment, projectors, professional audio-visual systems, computers, tablets, mobile communication systems and equipment, etc.;
- energy storage systems (8.9%): cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, dry batteries, primary/secondary lithium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, energy storage modules and systems;
- other (12.2%).
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (43.2%), China (13.4%), Asia (14.7%), Americas (18.7%) and Europe (10%).