Nonthermal Plasma Air Purification Reduces Infection Rate and Alleviates Symptoms in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
As most of our time is spent indoors, indoor air quality is crucial, especially during seasonal virus outbreaks. Acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most prevalent diseases globally, leading to symptoms like coughing, nasal congestion, and fatigue, along with significant healthcare costs. Since aerosols play a key role in infection transmission, improving indoor air quality is essential. Nonthermal plasma (NTP) has shown promise in inactivating airborne microorganisms, offering a potential solution for antiviral air purification without the need for filters. The AirDisP_URTI study investigated whether NTP air germ inactivation in real‐world office settings could reduce URTI incidence over a 5‐month period. Initially, the NTP air purifier’s effectiveness was tested in a laboratory. This was followed by an intervention study that measured infection events and severity using the WURSS‐21 questionnaire, health checks, saliva samples, and an aerobic endurance test. A total of 230 participants were randomized, with 150 included in the final analysis: 73 in the NTP group and 77 in the control group. The NTP group experienced noticeably milder symptoms compared to controls. Statistically, symptom severity was significantly reduced (p = 0.028). Based on infection counts—24 in the NTP group and 32 in the control group—the odds of infection were higher in the control group, with an OR of 1.45 (95% CI: 0.75–2.78), indicating a 45% increased risk of infection…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 230 participants or records.
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