Clenzair filtration system to be installed in Council facilities.
Broxbourne Council is the first public organisation in the country to begin to install active air filtration systems. This system kills viruses and bacteria without the need to disinfect using traditional methods. The Council is installing the system into the gyms and fitness studios of the Laura Trott Leisure Centre and the John Warner Sports Centre, as well as both cafes at the centres and Scrambles soft play at the John Warner Sports Centre.
Most air purification systems are passive, relying on pulling air through a filtration system, and cannot sanitise surfaces. The new active filtration system can neutralise a virus or bacteria suspended in the air or on any surface in the room. In addition to neutralising both surface and airborne bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), MRSA, Bird Flu, Swine Flu, SARS and Ebola, the system also has the ability to neutralise the germs in a human sneeze mid-air.
The system is not just cleaning the air, but every part of the space it controls, including surfaces. Most importantly, it can be in operation 24/7 and while people are present; meaning there is no need to close the gym between sessions for sanitising. The system uses needlepoint-Bi-Polar ionisation technology, using voltage to electrically charge air molecules, creating no harmful bi-products.
Needlepoint Bi-Polar Ionisation (NPBI) technology works by producing a high concentration of positive and negative ions, delivering them to the desired space via the given ventilation system or device. It emits both positive (H+) and negative (O2-) ions. Ions surround harmful pathogens and react as Hydroxyl (OH) radicals. This process removes hydrogen from the cell walls of microbes, inactivating harmful pathogens at a cellular level making them no longer harmful even if they then enter the body. NPBI can eliminate over 99.9% of bacteria, mould and viruses present in any indoor environment.
Installing the filtration systems at the facilities will mean the centre will be able to provide a safe environment for its customers and the equipment in the gym and studios will no longer rely on traditional spray disinfecting of equipment.
The number of customers using the gyms and studios will still need to be restricted until the current Government guidelines are lifted, capacity will be then be reviewed.
Cllr Dee Hart, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health, said:
Installing the new active filtration system will give members peace of mind regarding hygiene and cleanliness at the leisure centres. Once restrictions are lifted, the new systems will give members the opportunity to go back to more flexible gym use.