May 17, 2006

Sanyo announces successful testing of its bird flu filter and spray

Japan's Sanyo Electric Co said Monday (May 15) tests on its filtering systems that could suppress airborne bird flu viruses had been successful.

Air infected with the H5 type of bird flu virus was forced through the filter impregnated with electrolyzed water containing a type of chlorine.

Measurements of the filtered air found that at least 99 percent of the viruses were suppressed, Sanyo announced at a press conference.

Sanyo is proud of its work it had done which could possibly lead to the prevention of a major world threat, Sanyo chairman Tomoyo Nonaka said.

A separate system that sprays a fine mist of the electrolyzed water onto a cotton swab with the viruses was also 99 percent effective, the company said.

According to Sanyo, the technology can rapidly disinfect a large room is already incorporated in some air purifiers and washing machines.