Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/10216/103519
Author(s): | P. A. F. Rodrigues S. I. V. Sousa M. J. Geraldes M. C. M. Alvim Ferraz F. G. Martins |
Title: | Bioactive nano-filters to control legionella on indoor air |
Issue Date: | 2012 |
Abstract: | Several factors affect the indoor air quality, among which ventilation, human occupancy, cleaning products, equipment and material; they might induce the presence of aerosols (or bioaerosols in the presence of biological components) nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide and dioxide, volatile organic compounds, radon and microorganisms. Microbiological pollution involves hundreds of bacteria and fungi species that grow indoors under specific conditions of temperature and humidity. Exposure to microbial contaminants is clinically associated with allergies, asthma, immune responses and respiratory infections, such as Legionnaire's Disease and Pontiac Feaver, which are due to contamination by Legionella pneumophila. Legionnaire's Disease has increased over the past decade, because of the use of central air conditioning. In places such as homes, kindergartens, nursing homes and hospitals, indoor air pollution affects population groups that are particularly vulnerable because of their health status or age, making indoor air pollution a public health issue of high importance. Therefore, the implementation of preventive measures, as the application of air filters, is fundamental. Currently, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most used to capture microorganisms in ventilation, filtration and air conditioning systems; nevertheless, as they are not completely secure, new filters should be developed. This work aims to present how the efficiency of a textile nano-structure in a non-woven material based on synthetic textiles (high hydrophobic fibers) incorporating appropriate biocides to control Legionella pneumophila, is going to be measured. These bioactive structures, to be used in ventilation systems, as well as in respiratory protective equipment, will reduce the growth of microorganisms in the air through bactericidal or bacteriostatic action. The filter nano-structure should have good air permeability, since it has to guarantee minimum flows of fresh air for air exchange as well as acceptable indoor air quality. |
Subject: | Engenharia dos materiais Materials engineering |
Scientific areas: | Ciências da engenharia e tecnologias::Engenharia dos materiais Engineering and technology::Materials engineering |
URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/10216/103519 |
Related Information: | info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Programa de Financiamento Plurianual de Unidades de I&D/FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-022677/PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2011-2012/PEst-C/EQB/UI0511/2011 |
Document Type: | Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional |
Rights: | restrictedAccess |
Appears in Collections: | FEUP - Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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99896.pdf Restricted Access | Artigo original publicado | 342.66 kB | Adobe PDF | Request a copy from the Author(s) |
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