An Electrostatic Disinfection System (EDS) is a proven technology that uses the discharge of an electrical charge to disinfect surfaces, eliminating harmful microorganisms. Since its development in 1943, it has been used extensively by militaries around the world for decontamination purposes. Over the years, Electrostatic Disinfection System have proved their ability to kill viruses and bacteria with greater efficacy than chemical disinfectants alone, thus helping bring hands-on care within reach of even small facilities or families. With no chemicals or residues left behind after treatment, EDSs are one of the most practical and cost-effective means of infectious disease control known today.
How does it work? When two objects at different electric potentials come into contact, e.g., when a person touches an EDS wall or panel, potential energy dissipates as heat. If the objects are charged to high enough potentials, this can lead to electrical breakdown of the air between them. This occurs in lightning and within EDSs during disinfection of surfaces or environmental air.
This electric discharge releases free electrons into the air that seek out and react with harmful microorganisms present on surfaces, destroying their cells by denaturing viral DNA/RNA and disrupting cellular membranes. Unlike chemical disinfectants, which require direct contact for efficacy, EDS kills microorganisms via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These substances are not only highly effective at killing infectious organisms but are also low-toxic for people.
EDS electrically charges particles, so they are attracted to surfaces, continue to travel after the air has been ionized, and adhere to the surface where they perform their disinfection action. The process requires little energy or maintenance and can take place regardless of humidity, temperature, or other environmental factors. This simple yet effective mechanism makes EDS an essential part of any hospital’s infection-prevention protocol.
The advantages of EDS disinfection include:
-The process is effective at killing most droplet and airborne pathogens within indoor spaces.
-It is highly efficient at eliminating microbial contaminants on surfaces and in the air without causing cross-contamination or requiring manual contact during treatment, unlike traditional chemical germicides, which need to be manually applied before each patient interaction. Treatment zones can be small (e.g., one room) or larger (e.g., entire wings of buildings).
-EDS is not affected by environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature, or barometric pressure.
-The process requires very little maintenance and uses low amounts of energy. It can be operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
-There is no toxic residue left behind after treatment, so surfaces do not need to be rinsed prior to use — only wiped down with disinfectant soap containing 0.04% hypochlorite (household bleach) once treatment is complete.
-It provides an effective control measure for both droplet and airborne pathogens in hospitals, healthcare facilities, emergency response units, shelters, and other high occupancy spaces where pandemic flu outbreaks might occur. An EDS system works well as a stand-control mechanism, but it also performs well as a supplemental control measure.
-It is cost-effective, with system infrastructure requiring minimal alterations to existing HVAC systems and disinfectant costs that are ten times cheaper than traditional chemical germicides.