As the coronavirus gets longer legs our thoughts turn to automated prevention measures. We may have to, if we miss the herd immunity opportunity and more citizens grasp the false hope of denial. New York Times tipped us off regarding the possibility of trapping airborne coronavirus in foam filters. This is not rocket science there’s a working model available.
A Working Model for Detecting Airborne Coronavirus Aerosols
An aerosol is a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles (colloidals) in gas. We polish our furniture using this technology so there’s no mystery there. However, in this case the detection device sucks air from the immediate surroundings through a special, foam-like filter and traps colloidal substances floating in it. A laboratory can then determine if it caught a coronavirus, another pathogen, or something else.
The company that developed the filter wants to market the aerosol sensor to monitor hospitals, offices, schools and other buildings. In fact, it could find applications in almost any enclosed space. However, competition is bound be hectic and the $4,995 tag could discourage demand for this particular product. But how practical would it be to use?
Is There a Future for Trapping Airborne Coronavirus in Foam Filters?
New York Times turned to Linsey Marr, an expert in airborne viruses at Virginia Tech for advice. It seems there is great interest in the idea, but it does have its limitations. Colloidal aerosols are very tiny, and we would need to process a large amount of air to trap them. ‘You’re looking for a needle in a haystack in a field of haystacks,’ Dr. Marr commented wryly.
None the less, trapping airborne coronavirus in foam filters is bound to have its takers. In fact, we’ve learned Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency began calling for research proposals in November 2020. This is something to watch carefully. However, from where we sit coronavirus sampling seem likely to remain only part of the broader strategy.
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