Air-conditioner kill virus H5N1

LG Electronics will launch a new product capable of killing 99% of airborne viruses by filtering a special coating of a Korean traditional kimchi extract.

Actress Lee Young-ae introduces LG's new air conditioner. (Photo: The Korea Times, VNN) Air conditioning H5N1 kill Neo Plasma Plus generation, named "Anti-AI Aircon". It has a special membrane covered with leuconostoc citreum extracted from kimchi. " Testing has shown that this membrane is capable of inactivating the strains of avian influenza viruses ," said Seo Seok-jang, head of LG Electronics' Air Conditioning Laboratory.

Seo said he started designing the air-conditioning for the bird flu virus two years ago, and is completing the procedure for owning the technology. Recently, the product has been certified by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for its ability to remove up to 99% of the H5N1 virus within 30 minutes .

In addition to the special filter, Neo Plasma Plus air conditioning is also equipped with effective filters with natural bactericidal agents extracted from fish lettuce. In particular, the nanoparticle-based membrane filter removes dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are also high-voltage Plasma Films to thoroughly remove micro-organisms in the air.

At ambient temperatures, the H5N1 virus can live up to 14 days in air or in small dust particles. Last year, Seoul National University, Korea, has shown that kimchi and fermented dishes are effective in treating bird flu in poultry. However, to date there is no evidence of effects on humans.

H5N1 avian influenza will be launched in early 2006, with a special focus on Southeast Asia, which is heavily influenced by bird flu. The product is expected to be available in Vietnam in early March.

S.S. (The Korea Times)