Technology

How It Works

Fortress Air is an Australian distributor of purpose designed, tested and patented advanced air and surface treatment systems that safely and efficiently restore the balance of recirculated air by maintaining air quality as well as eliminating contaminated and poor-quality air in residential, commercial, industrial, retail, office, school and indoor public spaces.

This innovative technology produces Ions and Free Hydroxyl Radicals which are naturally occurring molecules to continuously treat the total volume of air, while simultaneously treating all soft and hard surfaces, 24/7 in an indoor environment by eliminating and preventing airborne risks and cross infection in indoor spaces including:

Mould and mould spores.
Odours and toxic fumes.
Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
Pathogens (bacteria, germs and viruses) such as:
- Common cold and flu.
- COVID-19.
- Chicken pox.
- Influenza.
- Measles.
- Staph and strep.
- Stomach flu
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).

Pathogens and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

WHAT ARE PATHOGENS?

Pathogens are organisms that can cause disease upon entering the body. They come in different types and can be transmitted through various means.

Pathogens can be spread through skin contact, bodily fluids, airborne particles, and touching a surface touched by an infected person. The type of pathogen and its method of transmission can vary greatly, so it is important to understand the characteristics of each to effectively prevent the spread of disease.

There are several types of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Each of these types has its unique characteristics, such as structure, mode of transmission, and susceptibility to treatment.

By understanding the different types of pathogens and how they can be transmitted, we can take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of disease. It is important to maintain good hygiene practices and follow recommended guidelines to reduce the risk of infection from pathogens.

Our air and surface treatment systems safely and efficiently restore the balance of indoor air to a state similar to unpolluted fresh air found in nature

WHAT ARE VOCS AND SOURCES OF VOCS?

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are a group of chemicals that are commonly found in everyday products, such as cleaning supplies, paint, and even furniture. They are called volatile because they have a high vapor pressure, meaning they easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. This evaporation process is known as off-gassing, and it is the reason why VOCs can be so dangerous.

VOCs are dangerous because they can have a negative impact on both our health and the environment. Exposure to VOCs can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from minor irritations to serious long-term health effects. Short-term exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs can cause more serious health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, and damage to the central nervous system.

One of the reasons why VOCs are so dangerous is that they are present in so many common household products. Cleaning supplies, personal care products, and building materials are just a few examples of products that can contain VOCs. Even products that are marketed as “green” or “natural” can contain VOCs.

Hydroxyls and Ions

How do ions function?

Ions are molecules that carry either a positive or negative charge and can be formed through the breaking apart of air molecules by sunlight radiation or the movement of air and water in nature.
Enclosed spaces such as homes or offices usually have a low concentration of ions, while places like beaches or waterfalls have high levels of ions. Positively or negatively charged particles including dust, microbes, and airborne allergens are present in any enclosed space.

Negative ions can attach to and neutralize harmful particles, such as allergens, dust, viruses, and bacteria in indoor air, making them too heavy to remain airborne and eventually drop out of the air.
Positive ions can neutralize odour-causing molecules, improving the air quality.

In terms of indoor air quality, the potential benefits of ions for improving indoor air quality are:

1. Air purification: Negative ions can attach to and neutralize harmful particles, such as allergens, dust, viruses and bacteria, causing them to become too heavy to remain airborne and eventually settle out of the air.

2. Reduction of odours: Positive ions can attach to odour-causing molecules and neutralize them, reducing unpleasant smells in the air.

3. Improved respiratory health: Negative ions may help to improve respiratory health by reducing airborne particles that can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma or other respiratory problems.

4. Mood enhancement: Negative ions have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

How do hydroxyls work?

Hydroxyls are commonly referred to as mother nature’s detergent.

Hydroxyl radicals are formed when a water molecule loses a hydrogen atom and becomes unbalanced. To restore balance, the hydroxyl molecule seeks out other chemicals and pathogens in the environment, acting as a donor molecule. Upon contact, the hydroxyl radical forcefully removes a hydrogen atom from the cell wall of the pathogen or chemical, causing it to break apart and become neutralized.

This process is lethal to pathogenic viruses and bacteria, making hydroxyl radicals a potent disinfectant. Once the process is complete, the hydroxyl molecule returns to its original state as a harmless water molecule (H2O). Unlike other disinfectants, hydroxyl radicals do not discriminate between different types of pathogens, attacking and killing them with equal effectiveness. This makes them an excellent solution for preventing the development of immunity to disinfectants.

The average person inhales 11,000 litres of air per day. Every time air is inhaled outside, the average human ingests around 1.5 billion Hydroxyls.

Combination of Hydroxyls and ions.

A combination of technologies working together

The combination of Hydroxyl Radicals and Ions is of utmost importance in ensuring maximum effectiveness in eliminating airborne and surface pathogens. Both Hydroxyl Radicals and Ions possess unique properties that complement each other, making their combined use more efficient than either method alone.

Our cutting-edge air and surface treatment technologies represent the latest advancement in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. This innovative solution introduces the use of both free hydroxyl radicals and ions, resulting in a significant improvement in indoor air quality management. Our technology provides a disinfectant protocol that is highly effective against a wide range of airborne and surface pathogens such as bacteria, germs, mold, viruses (including Covid-19, common cold, influenza, and stomach flu). Most importantly, it is safe to use around humans, pets, and plants, offering peace of mind to all.