New ‘Always On’ Air Sanitizer Fills Critical Gap in Infection Control
–Prolitec’s aria™ System Targets Airborne Bacteria
NEW ORLEANS, LA–(Marketwire – July 12, 2010) – Hand washing and frequent wiping of surfaces like counters and handrails are necessary elements in institutional infection-control protocols. Effective as these techniques are, however, they are labor intensive, not automated, and do nothing to counter airborne bacteria — one of the primary mechanisms for the spread of disease. With the introduction of Prolitec, Inc.’s aria™ air-sanitizing agent, assisted-living facilities, hospitals, medical offices, and other enclosed spaces finally have a means of addressing this critical gap in infection control.
Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection Control division unveiled the new aria™ system today at the annual conference of the Washington, D.C.-based Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, in New Orleans.
The aria™ air-sanitizing system, which won EPA registration in November 2009, uses newly patented Prolitec technology to generate an invisible “dry” vapor of a safe and effective air sanitizing agent. The vapor can be distributed within a space directly from a small wall-mounted appliance or indirectly through an air handler. The result is a uniformly distributed vapor compliant with OSHA air-contaminant restrictions for workplace inhalation — one that is non-damaging to materials and electronics, yet significantly decreases the numbers of viable airborne bacteria under relatively wide conditions of relative humidity and temperature.
“Bacteria and other microorganisms are frequently introduced into the air by actions such as sneezing and coughing. Once microorganisms are airborne they can be inhaled or can settle and contaminate surfaces,” noted Dr. Craig A. Kelly, a veteran Johns Hopkins University scientist and chief of Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection-Control unit. “The function of the aria™ system is to reduce the concentration of airborne bacteria in a continuous and automated manner, thereby reducing the likelihood of inhalation or surface-settling of viable microorganisms.”
“An important feature of aria™ is that it is fully automated and works 24 hours a day, seven days a week without any human intervention,” noted Richard Weening, CEO of Milwaukee-based Prolitec. “The aria™ system can safely and effectively reduce background levels of airborne bacteria to establish the foundation of a successful infection-control protocol. It is the one part of the program that will always be 100% compliant.”
Dr. Kelly added: “Amid heightened awareness of disease transmission by airborne microorganisms, aria™ provides a critical tool for the infection-control professional to address airborne bacteria in a way that was not previously available. That can translate into a greater sense of safety and well-being for patients, residents, caregivers and visitors alike.”
About Prolitec
Prolitec (www.prolitec.com) develops and deploys air-treatment and air care technologies, including odor control, ambient scenting, aromatherapy and the use of scent as a medium of communication. Clients include assisted-living facilities, hotels, casinos, retailers and other commercial organizations in the United States and around the world. Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection Control Unit is developing interior air and surface systems to inhibit disease transmission.
Add comment July 12, 2010
A fascinating article over at Bloomberg Businessweek gives an overview of the state of scent marketing and some of the latest scent-related developments. A few wildly different items of note:
- Research in France indicates scent may have a powerful role to play in helping people who are suffering from severe trauma.
- Scent is an integral part of a new transdisciplinary master’s program at the Parsons New School for Design in New York.
- Bloom grocery stores recently implemented the first scented billboard in North Carolina, using giant fans to blow a charbroiled scent over a highway.
Check it out over at Bloomberg Businessweek: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_26/b4184085987358.htm
Add comment June 18, 2010
Prolitec Names Johns Hopkins Scientist to Lead Infection Control Effort
–New business unit will focus on systems to kill bacteria and viruses in healthcare facilities, schools & other spaces
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (6/10/10)–Prolitec Inc. today announced the appointment of Dr. Craig A. Kelly as Vice President and Director of Technology Development.
The veteran Johns Hopkins University scientist will also serve as chief of the company’s Aerobiology and Infection Control unit. In this role, Dr. Kelly will lead Prolitec’s research and development of airborne and surface antimicrobial systems designed to kill bacteria and viruses in healthcare facilities, schools, assisted living facilities, commercial aircraft, and other public spaces where the control of infection transmission is an important issue.
“We have long experience working with Dr. Kelly in some of his earlier assignments,” said Richard Weening, CEO of Prolitec. “He is exactly the right person to expand the R&D effort and transform the work into the practical infection control applications so urgently needed by the healthcare system.”
Prior to joining Prolitec, Dr. Kelly spent 10 years as a member of the Senior Professional Staff at Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Lab in Baltimore, where he worked on a wide range of projects, including chemical and biological warfare agent decontamination. Most recently, from 2009 to 2010, he served as Acting Program Manager for the laboratory’s Missile Defense Agency Sensors Directorate. He began at the laboratory in 1999, initially working on chemical sensor development.
Dr. Kelly has published 21 peer-reviewed scientific articles and has been awarded three patents. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Inorganic Chemistry from Bowling Green State University and a B.S. in Chemistry from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Additionally, he completed post-doctoral fellowships at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Chemistry Department, Johns Hopkins’ Department of Chemistry and Johns Hopkins’ Applied Physics Laboratory.
“Infection control is a serious challenge for healthcare, education and several other sectors where harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi pose a threat to humans,” Dr. Kelly noted. “Prolitec has developed new and promising technologies to address these issues. Our objective is to advance them into fully operational systems approved by the relevant regulatory agencies.”
About Prolitec
Prolitec (www.prolitec.com) develops and deploys air-treatment and air care technologies, including odor control, ambient scenting, aromatherapy and the use of scent as a medium of communication. Clients include assisted living facilities, hotels, casinos, retailers and other commercial facilities in the U.S. and 46 countries around the world. Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection Control unit is developing interior air and surface systems to inhibit disease transmission.
####
Add comment June 9, 2010
Aegis Living Selects Prolitec for Aromatherapy Service to Senior Living Communities
REDMOND, WA — 03/10/10 — As part of its continuing effort to enhance the lives of residents in its retirement and assisted living communities, Aegis Living (www.aegisliving.com) has selected Prolitec Inc. (www.prolitec.com) to introduce aromatherapy to public areas in all 35 of its senior living facilities in Washington, California and Nevada.Following an initial installation in the new Aegis of Bellevue (Wash.) community, the Redmond-based company contracted with Prolitec to roll out the systems to the remainder of its communities over the course of 2010, with several installations now under way. The systems from Milwaukee-based Prolitec will condition the air in lobbies and hallways with tiny amounts of a scent created especially for Aegis.
Aegis’ scent, called ‘Serene,’ is a blend of chamomile, aromatic lavender and other complementary and proprietary ingredients. Chamomile reduces stress and anxiety and is used to treat insomnia, while lavender relaxes the body. According to a Duke University study, the scent of lavender relaxed participants as much as a massage.
Depending on the community’s mechanical system, Aegis’ proprietary scent will be dispersed in the designated common areas through a variety of HVAC or wall-mounted delivery systems from Prolitec. As the program evolves, residents will also be given the opportunity to have aromatherapy in their individual units through Prolitec’s Air/Q Whole Room (www.airq.com) system for an additional monthly charge.
“Already known as one of the premier operators of retirement and assisting living communities, Aegis is taking another step forward in raising the standards for better senior living with the introduction of aromatherapy,” said Richard Weening, CEO of Prolitec. “The scent that we developed for them will make residents feel better and they don’t have to do anything, just breathe in the air.”
“Prolitec is the technology leader in the safe and sensible use of scent in public spaces,” added Jerry Meyer, COO of Aegis. “We chose Prolitec because they have a customer-focused, high-standards culture like Aegis and they understand the special requirements of senior communities.”
About Prolitec
Prolitec (www.prolitec.com) is a world leader in the development and deployment of innovative air-treatment and air care technologies including odor control, ambient scenting, aromatherapy and the use of scent as a medium of communication. Clients include retailers, hotels, casinos and other commercial organizations in the U.S. and in 20 countries around the world. Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection Control Unit develops human-safe and green systems for controlling pests and killing airborne and surface bacteria and viruses.
About Aegis Living
Aegis Living is a national leader in retirement and assisted living, offering a progressive selection of senior residences to meet the growing needs of today’s aging population. Providing the finest in senior lifestyle and living options available, “We are the people who make life better” emphasizes health, quality of life, well being and community. Aegis Living is guided by a simple philosophy: strive to treat all people with the highest possible standards. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington, privately held Aegis Living operates 35 communities in Washington, California and Nevada. Additional information about Aegis Living and its services are available at www.AegisLiving.com. Follow us on Twitter @twitter.com/aegisliving and Facebook at http://bit.ly/OUNyR.
Add comment March 11, 2010
Ambius to scent U.S. Omni Hotels and Resorts
BUFFALO GROVE, IL, Dec 17, 2009 (MARKETWIRE) — Ambius, an industry leader in creating customized, inspirational scents, has signed an agreement with Omni Hotels & Resorts to use the Ambius Microfresh ambient scent program at its properties across the U.S. Omni, renowned for its unique luxury portfolio in leading business gateway cities and resorts locales and for their award-winning service, will be utilizing a variety of Ambius scents in hotel lobbies and other areas of the properties to help create memorable experiences for their guests.
Ambient experiences can play an important role in attracting and retaining repeat customers in numerous settings. Of the five senses, smell is often considered the most powerful trigger of emotions and memories. With Ambius’s state-of-the art Microfresh program, Omni will be able to have each hotel choose a particular scent which is in keeping with the authentic, locally oriented design and decor of the property to further deliver an ambience which captures the true essence of the destination.
“Omni has become recognized in the hospitality industry for using an innovative, sensory approach to ensure we create an engaging, comfortable environment for our guests,” said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president for brand standards for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Ambius is perfectly positioned to provide the products and services we are seeking as we evolve the program by customizing the scents in our properties based on the particular ambience we are looking to achieve for each.”
“Our ambient scenting system results in a holistic, inspiring and memorable atmosphere which complements and reinforces Omni’s mission to exceed the expectations of guests. We’re extremely pleased to partner with like-minded companies who have discovered the role that scent can play in creating a unique experience,” said Jeff Mariola, Ambius divisional managing director.
About Ambius
Ambius offers a full spectrum of services to enhance the interior space for the hospitality, healthcare, retail, and commercial industries. From ambient scenting to interior landscaping, holiday decor, decorative wall art and fresh fruit and flower deliveries to businesses in 18 countries in Europe, North America, South Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Ambius is a division of Rentokil Initial plc /quotes/comstock/23s!e:rto (UK:RTO 114.12, -3.50, -2.96%) . For more information, visit the new Ambius website at www.ambius.com
Media Contact: Nancy Tamosaitis-Thompson Vorticom, Inc. 212.532.2208
Add comment December 19, 2009
Prolitec Taps The Power of Scent to Banish Birds From Buildings
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Feathered friends wear out their welcome once they start roosting in the rafters above the prepared-foods section at a supermarket, or triggering the automatic doors at a big-box hardware store as they fly above heads of customers and cashiers. But a new bird-control system from Milwaukee-based Prolitec Inc., a leader in indoor air-quality systems and services, uses natural aromas to make birds head for the exit — for good.
“Because this bird-control system is always on, the birds don’t come back,” said Richard Weening, CEO of Prolitec. “That is a significant breakthrough.”
Branded “Avian Plus,”(TM) the new system was created by Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection-Control Unit. It is available in the United States from Mission View, Calif.-based Bird-B-Gone, Inc., a Prolitec distribution partner and leading provider of pest bird deterrents. The new system will be available from Bird-B-Gone’s pest-control clients in approximately 52 metropolitan areas.
“The bird control market worldwide is growing 20% annually and consists of hundreds of products, each with varying degrees of success,” noted Bruce Donoho, owner of Bird-B-Gone, which has manufactured and distributed bird control products worldwide since 1992. “Being the leader in bird control means that we have a responsibility to offer only the most effective products to our wide base of customers. We’re honored to partner with Prolitec in introducing and distributing the Avian Plus System. It offers significant advantages in the bird hazing product category and we’re excited about its potential.”
Avian Plus uses a proprietary formulation of fragrance and flavor ingredients engineered to be pleasant for humans but unpleasant for birds. Prolitec’s patented “always on” micro-droplet delivery systems ensure continuous bird control by maintaining a minute concentration of the fragrance in the rafters and other locations frequented by pest birds.
In the past, owners and managers of high-ceilinged structures like warehouses, big-box stores and airplane hangers have either used cumbersome netting or mist-sprayers and foggers to spray the rafters with a bird repellant. “The birds would scram, but only temporarily,” Weening noted, “and the foggers would leave residues on surfaces.” Prolitec’s delivery systems, by contrast, keep birds out of enclosed spaces for good by maintaining a constant level of bird-repelling scent within targeted areas. “The ‘always-on’ continuous-control approach is a significant improvement over fogging,” he said.
Moreover, Prolitec delivery systems such as the Air/Q 1100 employ patented micro-droplet technology that uses a fraction of the liquid formulation required for more conventional systems. “Prolitec’s micro-droplets are a million times lighter than conventional aerosol droplets and, ounce-for-ounce, have 10,000- times more exposed surface area,” Weening said. “In short, a little bit goes a very long way.”
Avian Plus has an on-board computer that enables users to control the scent-effect intensity and daily start and stop times.
Prolitec offers wall-mounted, HVAC-integrated or freestanding Air/Q systems that disperse the scent in spaces as small as a single room and as large as a whole building. Avian Plus can be used in conjunction with modified units that include accelerators designed to direct the scent formulation up into the rafters. Maintenance of these systems is as simple as a 30-second change of a recyclable cartridge. Avian Plus comes in two scent formulations: linen and fruit.
Beloved as they are in nature, birds carry over 60 diseases transmittable to humans, and their roosts and nests can also host ecto-parasites like bird mites. Commonly labeled as pest birds in the United States, species such as the feral pigeon, the English starling and the house sparrow pose serious problems in airplane hangers, retail stores, warehouses, restaurants and other businesses.
About Prolitec
Prolitec (www.prolitec.com) is a world leader in the development and deployment of innovative air-treatment and air care technologies including odor control, ambient scenting and the use of scent as a medium of communication. Clients include retailers, hotels, casinos and other commercial organizations in the U.S. and in 20 countries around the world. Prolitec’s Aerobiology and Infection Control Unit develops human-safe and green systems for controlling pests and killing airborne and surface bacteria and viruses.
About Bird-B-Gone
Bird-B-Gone Inc. (http://birdbgone.com) is the leading manufacturer of bird deterrents and is dedicated to solving pest bird problems. The business of bird control is constantly changing and is loaded with products and services with varied successes as bird barriers. Because Bird-B-Gone, Inc. is only involved with bird control, it is our business to stay on top of this evolution and provide our customers only the best in products and service.
Source: PR Newswire
Add comment October 27, 2009
The smells of NY
Think you know what NY smells like in summer? Where do you suppose you are if what you’re smelling is laundry, beer, juniper and hair wax? If you can’t get to NY yourself to figure it out, try using this smell map of NY from a recent NY Times.
Author and illustrator Jason Logan tackles the regions of Manhattan the way a biologist might document life in various micro climates. One smell at a time.
Link: New York Times
Add comment September 4, 2009
