Many types of air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines are advertised as capable of killing various viruses, including H5N1. However, experts believe that these products cannot eliminate all viruses, especially the influenza A virus.
Recently, some electronics companies have launched air conditioning units that claim to have the ability to kill the H5N1 virus. Many sellers confidently assert: “Any model with an ion symbol can kill all viruses.”
 |
(Photo: ryanpetersen) |
According to an explanation from one manufacturer, air conditioners that can “eliminate up to 99% of H5N1 virus in the air” utilize a special filter coated with compounds, including Leuconostoc citreum, a lactic acid extracted from traditional kimchi. Additionally, this air conditioner is equipped with effective filter layers containing natural antibacterial agents extracted from fish mint, and a filter that uses silver ions…
Another electronics company that produces air conditioners using Plasmacluster technology “can control up to 99% of the activity of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in the air” explained that this technology generates more positive and negative ions under ideal balance conditions to kill bacteria, mold, eliminate odors, and deactivate allergens. This technology is not only applied to air conditioners but is also used in refrigerators and air purifiers…
Recently, another electronics company introduced a washing machine that applies silver nano technology, “capable of killing bacteria up to 99.9%”. This technology creates extremely small silver ions to kill bacteria and provide antibacterial effects for up to a month afterward, ensuring that clothes remain “pure.”
Moreover, a Plasma refrigerator from another company is advertised as “killing bacteria 400 times more effectively than regular units; ozone gas eliminates odors 10 times better; and ultraviolet rays remove ethylene gas 100 times more effectively” thanks to ozone and negative ions.
According to Mr. Vu Lam, in charge of the refrigeration department at Thien Hoa Electronics Center, most customers today inquire whether the appliances can kill viruses before making a purchase. The prices of items with antibacterial functions are generally higher than regular products of the same type by around 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
Dr. Pham Thanh Quan, Deputy Head of the Chemical Technology Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, states that these technologies have some antibacterial capabilities, but they do not eliminate all viruses, especially the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
For instance, low-temperature plasma technology is used to transform molecules of substances into positive and negative ions, creating electromagnetic radiation to kill bacteria. Theoretically, this is the case, but practical application requires testing, as each virus strain has different decomposition mechanisms. Therefore, a product can only control certain types of bacteria and viruses, not eliminate all of them.
Ozone generators have antibacterial effects, but they are also limited. However, ozone can harm human health and pets, potentially causing skin cancer and respiratory diseases. Furthermore, regarding silver ions, silver does not always exist in ionic form. Silver also has a low reactivity.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Bay, Head of the Pathology Department at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, fish mint has traditionally only been effective in treating hemorrhoids due to its antibiotic properties and ability to stop bleeding. No research has proven that this plant can prevent or kill the H5N1 virus. Additionally, Korean kimchi is known for its spicy flavor that stimulates appetite but does not have antibacterial properties. Dr. Le Hung, Deputy Director of the Institute of Ethnic Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, also noted that no literature supports that kimchi has those capabilities.
Dr. Tran Tinh Hien, Deputy Director of the Tropical Diseases Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, stated: “Currently, scientists do not know exactly whether the avian influenza virus spreads through respiratory routes or other means. If electronic products could kill the avian influenza virus, it would be fantastic. However, this should only be viewed as advertising because there is currently no evidence or scientific basis.”
