Source:
Eisenlöffel, L., Reutter, T., Horn, M., Schlegel, S., Truyen, U., & Speck, S. (2019). Impact of UVC-sustained recirculating air filtration on airborne bacteria and dust in a pig facility. Plos One, 14(11), 1-18. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0225047
Summary:
In the article, Lisa Eisenlöffel and her colleagues were testing the impact that UVC-sustained recirculating air filtration had on the airborne viruses in the pig facility. They wanted to test if UVC irradiation, along with air filtration could reduce the amount of microorganisms in the facility. This scholarly covers a large variety of topics that include: air filtration, pathogens, hygiene, environmental quality, irradiation, etc. Techniques are used in order to reduce the amount of pathogens in the air of the barn. According to the article, “airborne bacterial numbers were significantly lower in the barn equipped with the UVC module compared to the reference barn” (Eisenlöffel, et al.). A UVC module is a device that uses ultraviolet light between the frequency of 200 – 280 nanometers for disinfection. This module combined with air filtration is a method that is proving to be effective against airborne bacteria.
Evaluation/Reflection:
Lisa Eisenlöffel, Tobias Reutter, Matthias Horn, Simon Schlegel, Uwe Truyen, and Stephanie Speck are all researchers in the field of animal hygiene and veterinary public health at the University of Leipzig, Germany. Also, Professor Uwe Truyen, is an individual responsible for the control of epidemic diseases. Because of these educational credentials, it is evident that the article is a reliable first person source. The source is not biased due to the fact that it is a research study, which is based on all the information that the colleagues collected. In addition, this source is helpful because it gives information on methods to reduce the spread of an airborne virus in an enclosed environment. It helps shape the argument that air filtration is needed in schools, so that the environment is safer for students. This source can be used to show data that air filtration will help lower COVID-19 cases in schools. In conclusion, this article has made me think that other techniques beside air filtration may be useful to combat the spread of COVID-19 in schools. “Improving Indoor Air Quality Key to Breaking ‘Sickness Cycle’; HEPA air filter technology helps fight seasonal airborne bacteria, viruses and outdoor pollutants that make their way into homes and offices.”
Source:
Marketwire Canada, 25 Nov. 2009. Gale General OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A212849810/ITOF?u=newpaltz&sid=ITOF&xid=d0772cad. Accessed
6 Oct. 2020.
Summary: The main argument of the source is that HEPA filters may be one of the best methods of preventing the H1N1 flu pandemic. According to the source, “HEPA filters remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter” (“Improving”). Essentially, HEPA filters are removing almost all of the microorganisms from the air. This is very important due to how Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors (“Improving”). Spending most of your time inside means that you are more likely to contract the virus when you are inside. The topics of the article are viruses, air pollution, and improving indoor air quality. Essentially, the source is mostly about how HEPA filters are amazing at removing airborne microorganisms and bacteria, which reduces the likelihood of contracting a virus indoors.
Evaluation/Reflection:
This article is a reliable source because the information in the newspaper is conducted research. It is probably somewhat biased due to how it’s being reported on by the COMTEX News Network, Inc. in Canada. The new station must be somewhat biased, because it is promoting the HEPA filters. While the author of the newspaper is the COMTEX, all the data research is coming from the Electrolux household appliance company. This source is helpful since it gives factual data on how the spread of viruses indoors can be reduced through the use of HEPA filters. It helps shape the argument that HEPA filters in schools can be an effective measure taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools and increase the safety of schools for those in attendance. Basically, this information can be used to say that a lot of HEPA filters need to be installed throughout schools to better increase the air filtration of a potential COVID-19 infestation. In conclusion, the use of air filters has not changed the way I thought about my topic, because it was the way I originally thought to combat the spread of COVID-19 in indoor environments.