JEDDAH: A portable air-disinfection unit that mimics nature’s natural air disinfection process is to be launched in a one-day workshop in Jeddah on Saturday.

The AD Air Disinfection unit uses technology developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defense Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down that has a history of studying chemical and biological defense systems.

“The AD device is a harmless, non-toxic air disinfection unit that produces hydroxyl radicals — nature’s method of killing airborne infections from organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores — within the confines of a hospital ward, commercial office, home or school and are already being used extensively in the UK National Health Service,” said Keith Watson of Reza Hygiene.

Reza Hygiene is holding three Healthcare workshops in Jeddah (Crowne Plaza), Riyadh Al-Khozaima and Dammam on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday respectively at which the AD unit is just one of the main subjects presented.

Hydroxyl radicals are generated in a number of reactions essential to life. In the body, hydroxyl radicals are produced by cells to kill invading pathogens. In the open air, hydroxyl radicals are produced by the reaction of ozone and olefins, the natural scents of flowers and plants. It’s important to note that hydroxyl radicals can destroy pathogens but do not damage mammalian cells.

Often called “nature’s disinfectant,” the hydroxyl radical is an essential part of the cleaning and disinfection action of the air.

The hydroxyl radical is a transient piece of energy: It has a life of less than a millionth of a second. However, if it reacts with molecules in, for instance, a bacterium or a virus, that reaction will in turn produce more hydroxyl radicals.

The effect is known as a cascade. What it means is that if a room, or office, or any enclosed space, is filled with bacteria and viruses, the low level output of the AD is effective in disinfecting that room. But, once cleaned, the low level of output of the machine remains entirely safe — just like the open air.

Their short life span also means that hydroxyl radicals do not accumulate in enclosed spaces when generated by the AD generator and thus makes the units safe for use in enclosed spaces.

This results in the breakdown of organic material — particularly organic pathogens — in the air by the hydroxyl.

The organic particles in room air are decomposed into harmless carbon dioxide and water through chemical action.