Popore, Pilot Installation of 'Air Conditioner Filter Mask' in Long-term Care Hospitals

Pilot Installation at Uijeongbu Carnation Nursing Hospital
99% Indoor Virus Reduction Within 30 Minutes After Mask Passage
Preventing Airborne Infection Spread Caused by Air Conditioners

Popore announced that on the 6th, it conducted a pilot installation of air conditioner filter masks at Carnation Nursing Hospital (Director: Nodonghun) located in Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Popore

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As early summer heat begins, concerns about COVID-19 cluster infections through air conditioner airflow are growing, and air conditioner filter masks made from functional fibers are gaining attention, especially in group facilities such as hospitals, schools, and gyms.

Home fabric specialist company Popore (CEO Kwon Taehyuk) announced on the 8th that it has pilot-installed air conditioner filter masks made from CAZ (copper ion composite fiber, hereafter CAZ) in group facilities.

According to Popore, the air conditioner filter masks installed this time are products that can be easily attached by covering the existing air conditioner dust filter like a mask. They are made from the composite material CAZ developed by medical company Medifiber. The company explained that CAZ is a fiber that inactivates viruses by more than 99.9% within 5 minutes, and when using the air conditioner filter mask, viruses in enclosed indoor spaces decrease by 99% within about 30 minutes.

With the recent rise in temperature, air conditioner usage is increasing. Accordingly, the risk of airborne transmission in indoor spaces where many people gather, such as medical facilities, religious facilities, and call centers, is expected to increase.

In response, Popore pilot-installed air conditioner filter masks on the 6th at Carnation Nursing Hospital (Director Noh Donghun) located in Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do. The company explained that this is part of efforts to prevent COVID-19 infections caused by airborne transmission ahead of the full-scale operation of air conditioners.

In particular, places where air conditioner filter masks are installed have 'Virus Safe Zone' stickers attached, providing detailed explanations and installation location information about the air conditioner filter masks via QR codes.

Director Noh Donghun of Carnation Nursing Hospital said, "We expect that the installation of air conditioner filter masks will reduce the risk of airborne infection for hospital medical staff, patients, and visitors," adding, "Attaching 'Virus Safe Zone' stickers at the installation sites is also expected to have a psychological effect, allowing people to use the hospital with peace of mind."

Popore CEO Kwon Taehyuk stated, "Many consumers worry about using air conditioners in enclosed spaces during the peak summer heat," and added, "The air conditioner filter masks made from CAZ can be easily attached without burdening the air conditioner operation, killing viruses in indoor air, so they are expected to have an effect in preventing indoor infections."

Meanwhile, Popore is conducting funding for the 'CAZ Air Conditioner Filter Mask' on the crowdfunding site Wadiz until the 14th.