You can't see them, but they travel with every breath. Bacteria and viruses hitch a ride on microscopic droplets and aerosols that can linger in indoor air for hours—especially in closed, poorly ventilated spaces where concentrations build over time.
Aerosols can remain airborne for hours.
While heavy respiratory droplets fall to the ground within seconds, micro-droplets (aerosols) evaporate and can remain suspended in indoor air for extended periods—drifting on air currents to potentially infect people across the room. The CDC recognizes airborne transmission as a significant pathway for respiratory infections.
Source: CDC: Scientific Brief on TransmissionThe Invisible Threat Indoors
When people breathe, speak, cough, or sneeze, they release a cloud of particles carrying potentially infectious microorganisms. In enclosed spaces, these particles accumulate—especially in rooms with inadequate ventilation or air filtration:
- Influenza & Cold Viruses: Rhinovirus and influenza spread rapidly in shared indoor environments, particularly during fall and winter months.
- Respiratory Pathogens: Airborne bacteria and viruses can remain viable on aerosols, creating infection risk long after an infected person has left the room.
- Bacterial Contamination: Microbes like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus can be carried on dust particles and skin flakes circulating through HVAC systems.
Capture and Neutralize: A Two-Stage Approach
Reducing airborne pathogens requires more than basic filtration. Surgically Clean Air systems employ a two-stage capture-and-neutralize process originally developed for dental operatories where aerosol management is critical:
HEPA-Rx filtration
Surgically Clean Air systems use HEPA-Rx media — tested per EN 1822 standards to capture 99.97% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns, including viral aerosols and bacteria-carrying droplet nuclei. This traps pathogens on the filter media rather than recirculating them.
Particle sizes: Respiratory droplet nuclei typically range from 0.1 to 5 microns.UV-C germicidal light chambers
After HEPA-Rx capture, air passes through high-intensity UV-C light chambers. UV-C light at 254nm wavelength damages the DNA and RNA of bacteria, viruses, and mold spores—rendering them unable to replicate. The UV-C process is contained within sealed internal chambers, making it safe for continuous operation in occupied spaces.
Source: ASHRAE: Filtration and Disinfection FAQWhy Healthcare Facilities Trust This Technology
More than 55,000 dental practices, medical offices, and healthcare facilities across North America use Surgically Clean Air systems. The technology was originally developed to manage the high-aerosol environment of dental procedures, where close-proximity patient care creates significant airborne pathogen risk.
- 91% Approval Rating: The Clinicians Report—the dental industry's most respected independent research organization—gave Surgically Clean Air one of its highest scores ever recorded for air purification equipment.
- 6+ Air Changes Per Hour: The JADE® 2.0 delivers ASHRAE-recommended air change rates for infection control in rooms up to 1,500 square feet.
- Continuous Operation: Unlike portable UV devices that require empty rooms, our sealed UV-C chambers operate safely while spaces are occupied.
Air Purifiers for Bacteria & Viruses
Air purifiers with UV-C germicidal technology can neutralize viruses. Surgically Clean Air systems use a two-stage approach: HEPA-Rx filters first capture virus-carrying particles at 99.97% efficiency down to 0.3 microns, then UV-C light chambers damage the DNA and RNA of captured pathogens, rendering them unable to replicate. This capture-and-neutralize method is more effective than filtration alone.
HEPA filtration physically captures particles including bacteria and virus-carrying aerosols. UV-C germicidal light damages the genetic material of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing. Professional-grade systems like Surgically Clean Air combine both technologies—HEPA-Rx captures the particles, then UV-C neutralizes the pathogens trapped on the filter.
When people breathe, speak, cough, or sneeze, they release respiratory droplets and aerosols containing viruses. Large droplets fall quickly, but microscopic aerosols can remain suspended in indoor air for hours, drifting on air currents. In poorly ventilated spaces, viral aerosol concentrations build up over time, increasing transmission risk.
Yes, when properly designed. Surgically Clean Air systems contain the UV-C light in sealed internal chambers—the germicidal process happens inside the unit where air passes through, with no UV exposure to room occupants. This allows continuous operation in occupied spaces including homes, offices, dental practices, and healthcare facilities.
ASHRAE recommends 6 air changes per hour (ACH) for spaces with elevated infection risk. The JADE® 2.0 delivers 6+ ACH in rooms up to 1,500 square feet. For larger spaces or higher-risk environments like dental operatories and medical offices, ceiling-mounted COBALT® systems provide commercial-grade air changes.
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