FAQs

Unlike air purification models that work by drawing microbes, dust and other airborne contaminants through a filtration system, the Plasmacluster Ion Generators generate positive and negative ions that attack airborne viruses and microbes in the air, rendering them inactive.

In general, cluster ions are ionized groups of atoms and molecules. Plasmacluster Ions consist of H+ and O2- ions surrounded by several water molecules, the same as the molecules that exist in the natural world.

By applying high voltage positive and negative charges to the plasma discharge electrodes, H+ ions of hydrogen and O2- ions of oxygen molecules are generated by breaking down and ionizing airborne water and oxygen molecules. The generated ions are surrounded by water molecules, creating Plasmacluster Ions. A Plasmacluster Ion generator consists of needle electrodes and a high voltage generating circuit combined in one package.

The test results were obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. In an actual room, the efficacy will be affected by factors such as room shape, appliance location, and windows. Results will not be exactly the same as those obtained in tests but testing with actual products show that the products are effective in the every day environment.

Traditional Sharp air purifiers work with filters and the products generate about 3,000/cm3. These models are primarily aimed at eliminating airborne allergens. The new products generate 25,000cm3 and as a result of the higher density are highly effective at eliminating air borne viruses, without the need of a filter. In basic terms the efficacy of PCI against viruses depends on ion concentration

Yes, in the latest experiments, it was shown that Plasmacluster ions inhibit 99.9% of the new-type H1N1 influenza virus in stationary form (drops of the virus placed in a petri dish; concentration of 300,000 ions/cm3) in 2 hours and 95% of the virus in airborne form (inside a box with a volume of 1 m3; concentration of 25,000 ions/cm3) in 40 minutes.

PCI products are not medical equipment and therefore we do not claim that they will prevent infection. The test data shows the efficacy of the products and as such we are confident that the technology will help to reduce the risk of contamination through air borne viruses. We see these products as being a complimentary tool in the fight against infection in much the same way that you would use a surface cleaner or vacuum cleaner. As with all these products here will always be external factors that can not be controlled.

"PCI's efficacy mechanism is based on OH radicals, which are generated by a combination of positive and negative ions on the virus surface. These extract hydrogen from spike-like proteins on the surface of the virus and create harmless H2O. This decomposes and inactivates the virus protein. Because the surface of viruses contain these protein, we can assume that PCI will have a similar effect on new viruses but we will continue to test the efficacy as and when new viruses come to the fore."

PCI decomposes surface material by generating OH radicals, which come from a combination of ions, If one ion attaches itself to a small particle like a virus (up to 0.1um in diameter), an ion of opposite polarity will also attach itself. The human body is much larger than a virus, so ions will not combine easily on the surface. Therefore OH radicals will not work to human body the same way they do on viruses. We also performed tests such as inhalation toxicity and eye and skin irritation/corrosion tests, that confirm the safety of this technology.

There are three ways the infection is spread: by contact, by droplets and by air.

Our products are specifically designed to tackle the spread of airborne viruses. We see these products as a weapon against infection that compliments other products that target the spread of microbes, bacteria and viruses such as surface cleaners and hand wash treatments.

The viruses that we are targeting are bio-hazards, such as Swine Flu or H5N1 Avian Influenza virus is a biohazard, it can not simply be sprayed in a large room for testing. That is why we used the box test under laboratory conditions.

The IGA10 model is effective in room sizes up to 10m2, the IGA20 is for areas of up to 25m2 and the IGA40 is for areas up to 50m2.

Our original test results showed the efficacy of Plasmacluster ions at 7,000 ions generated, for example on the avian flue virus using the box test this density eliminated 99% of the virus in 10 minutes. By developing HD Plasmacluster we continue to strive to eliminate as much of the contaminants as fast as we can, so our most recent test using 50,000 ions eliminated 99.9% in 10 minutes. Again, we can not guarantee that in real conditions we will eliminate the virus and chance of spread but Plasmacluster is a real tool in helping to prevent infection in the air.

The ion density of the products have been measured by placing the product in the centre of the room. As the ions generate from this into the air the further you get from the appliance the less dense the concentration - although it continues to permeate the room. We would suggest placing the product as near to the centre of the room if possible, or close to areas where the user / users are most likely to congregate.

We would recommend leaving it on permanently, if this is not possible it is ok - it just takes some time for the generator to infiltrate to space with the Plasmacluster Ions.

The ion generator will last approximately 17,000 hours, so this is roughly 2 years if never turned off. We feel we have a commitment to ensure the efficacy of the device so we felt we had a responsibility to ensure that the device cut off when non longer efficient. As a result we have built an end of life into the products that will cut them off when they need replacing as above. The generating units can then be replaced easily into the product.

Simply turn them on. The IGA10 has two fan speeds and the IGA20 / 40 has three, so just choose the speed relevant to your requirements. Although they do not use filters for efficacy, as with all fan products there are some small filters that protect the unit for the build up of dust. We recommend you clean these periodically and they can be replaced if required.

Eleven third-party organizations have verified the effectiveness of PCI against a total of 27 harmful substances.

The effect of Plasmacluster Ions on airborne viruses, allergens such as faeces and dead mites, and fungi has been verified by third-party organizations. Plasmacluster Ions have no immediate effect on chemicals, but it has been confirmed that impregnated odours from things like cigarettes and sweat can be removed by PCI.

Plasmacluster ions should work on any of these as long as they have protein on the surface. The effects on influenza viruses, feline corona virus, E. coli, and staphylococcal have been confirmed.

Inactivated bacteria and viruses change into tiny particles.

Yes, the technology is proven to inactivate suspended allergens such as dust mite faeces and dead dust mites which carry the contaminants that cause asthma. In the same way as on the viruses the Plasmacluster attacks these contaminants removing the harmful proteins and rendering them inactive.

Plasmacluster cut through and remove the cell membrane proteins on suspended mould surface, inhibiting their effect, as a result it is effective at reducing the growth of mould on surfaces, which can cause respiratory problems.

"We have conducted tests that show no harmful effects on the eye at ion concentrations of 13 million/cm3, and no effect on skin at 1 million /cm3. The tests also showed no harmful effects on genes when exposed to PCI for 28 days.（Mitsubishi Chemical Safety and Science Laboratory)."

Human resistance is built up as people come in contact with air, food, and other substances. A decrease in airborne bacteria will not affect a person's resistance. Besides, the PCI mechanism is similar to naturally occurring air purifying mechanisms, so it does not create a perfectly sterile environment.

Pharmaceutical laws worldwide have restrictions on claims that products can make regarding cure, prevention, and diagnosis of diseases. But since Sharp does not consider PCI products to be medical equipment, we do not make such medical claims.

Plasmacluster Ions are the same as ions that exist in nature. They turn into OH radicals through a chemical reaction on the surface of airborne harmful substances. These OH radicals decompose and eliminate harmful substances. This is a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind technology.

Yes

Power consumption is 0.3 W. One year of continuous use costs only 26 pence in electricity. （Reference: 2001: The second generation device used 0.5 W, or about 44 pence a year; 2003: The third generation device used 0.2 W, or 18 pence a year; 2004: The fourth generation device used about 0.15 W, or about 13 pence a year; 2005: The fifth generation device used 0.15 W, or about 13 pence a year; 2006: The sixth generation AC device used 0.13 W, or about 11 pence; 2007: The sixth generation DC device used 0.25 W, or about 22 pence a year.)

It is not easy to compare the two because they purify the air in different ways. As for filters, only entrapped bacteria can be removed from the air. On the other hand, Plasmacluster Ions can kill bacteria floating in the air, including those in areas that filters cannot reach.