Sanyo, one of the leading providers of environment and energy related products and services, has announced on Monday that its proprietary electrolysed water technology effectively suppresses avian influenza viruses.
In joint research with Tottori University, a national university in south western Japan, Sanyo’s proprietary electrolysed water technology, ‘Disinfectant Element’ system and ‘Disinfectant Electrolysed Mist’ system was shown highly effective in suppressing more than 99% of airborne avian influenza viruses. Officials from Sanyo confirmed that the effectiveness of the technology was used in two ways, one by letting air containing the virus pass through a filter impregnated with electrolysed water, and the other, by spraying a mist of electrolysed water onto a cotton bud smeared with the virus.Officials from Sanyo have explained that the technology is useful in preventing the spread of bird flu virus, as electrolysed water can be easily made from tap water and it does not require any antiseptic substances. Electrolysed water is made from ordinary tap water by electrolysis, a process in which chemical compounds in the water are dissolved by an electric current passed through electrodes.
Since December 2003, infection of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5 type) in poultry and humans has been identified in many countries, especially those in Southeast Asia and Europe, and according to WHO has taken more than 100 human lives. Research on the avian influenza viruses has been of primary importance around the world. It is generally feared that the highly pathogenic type of the H5 avian influenza virus, currently found in many parts of the world, may cause a global pandemic if it mutates into a new virus that can be passed on between humans.
Sanyo have announced that they are proud of the work they have done in developing this technology, which they hope could possibly lead to the prevention of a major world threat. The chairman of Sanyo Tomoyo Nonaka announced that they would continue to research the practical uses of this technology in homes, schools and other public places.
