First impressions count. When looking for a place for his mum, Trevor did not go further than the reception of the first three homes he visited. ‘They were just too smelly’, he said.  A strong smell of bleach also told Trevor that they knew he was coming and they were trying to cover up. What’s more, the crystal chandeliers in reception and the gold plated taps in the bathroom did not impress him either. He wanted his mum to live in the same clean smelling, fresh environment she was used to.

According to the Relatives & Residents Association, strong odours in care homes do not need to be there. They say bad smells are signs of poor management, residents not being looked after properly and staff not caring. The R&RA checklist suggests 300 questions visitors should ask. The Sniff Test is the most important question of all. Clearly, Trevor did not ask the other 299.
Odours are not the only outcome of poor indoor air quality. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),indoor air is up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.And most of us, spend an astonishing 90% of life indoors.What's more

• Many buildings have airborne pollutant levels 25 to 100 times higher than air outside the building.
• Up to 1,500 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be found in indoor air. Anyone with extreme sensitivity to chemicals should seriously consider using an air purifier. These are very often the people who frequently spend most time indoors.
• Biological pollutants such as bacteria and molds like Aspergillus (a primary food source for dust mites) promote poor indoor air quality.

Many viruses are carried in the air. Nearly 1000 different types of viruses are known to infect humans - they are estimated to account for 60% of human infections. The young, elderly and immuno-compromised are particularly at risk from virus infections. Colds, flu, bronchitis, chicken pox, measles, mumps, herpes, polio, hepatitis, HIV, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and infectious intestinal disease are all examples of airborne infections.

Germs (all potentially harmful micro-organisms) which include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa are found everywhere. Only a small number are pathogenic. Many bacteria are beneficial. However, even free-living bacteria or members of the normal flora are potentially pathogenic in certain types of individual. Pathogenic bacteria that have made headlines recently include Salmonella, Listeria and E.coli. They are often regarded as modern problems, more hazardous than traditional germs

The air carries fungi which can cause infections such as superficial mycoses and deep Mycoses. Fungi are also the source of allergens, unpleasant odours, the production of VOCs and discolouration and deterioration of surfaces.

Fungi can pose just as much a threat to health as bacteria. Almost all microbial allergens are fungal in origin. Asthma can be initiated and provoked by allergens.

Micro-organisms are continuously introduced to our environment. People, food, pets, water, insects and air are all responsible. Without being aware of it some people carry highly pathogenic organisms without themselves being affected.
Air Steril units purify air like no other system on the market. We use the principles of molecular nanotechnology (MNT). Inside the AS units, Nano Titanium Dioxide (TIO2) irradiated with Ultraviolet Light produces strong oxiding agents called Hydroxyl Radicals and Superoxide Ions. The plasma so-formed eliminates airborne pathogenic and non-pathogenic micro organisms in vegetative and spore states.
There are five independent mechanisms that Air Steril units use. Each mechanism can be individually controlled to create tailor-made solutions that meet specific purification applications and requirements. The five technologies are:

• Triatomic Oxygen Sterilization
• Plasma Quatro
• Germicidal Irradiation
• Super Oxide Ion Generation
• Heterogeneous Catalysis

How much then would your business improve by simply making sure the air inside your homes was fresh and odour free?

OCCUPANCY will increase because you have eliminated odours. You will pass the Sniff Test. Potential residents and relatives say this is one of the most important reasons for choosing a new home. For every room unoccupied you are losing £150 a day

STAFF ABSENTEEISM will reduce. Staff working in smelly conditions take more time off. What's more they suffer from infections carried in the airborne bacteria and pathogens. Agency staff cost £100 or more a day.

CLEANING MATERIALS AND DISINFECTANTS will be cut. Not only will you save money on cleaning products you will save the cost of staff time needed to do the work. Reducing cleaning costs will add thousands to the bottom line.

STAFF TURNOVER will fall. People working in clean fresh environments are more like to stay in their jobs. It can cost £500 per head to recruit new staff.

FURNISHINGS AND CARPETS will last longer. Over time odours impregnate curtains, covers, carpets and even the fabric of buildings. Zapping the bacteria, which cause odours, in mid flight will increase the life of your furnishings and fabrics. Air Steril even works on bacteria found on surfaces.

Bacteria, mould, fungi, viruses, dust mites, allergens, odours and harmful VOCs are all eliminated by Air Steril purification systems. A typical Air Steril installation would purify 200m2 and have four units, covering the reception, the lounge, the dining room and a heavily polluted area. The units will produce infection free, odour free air 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - all for around £2.30 a day.

With Air Steril not only will your home pass the Sniff Test your bottom line will look a lot fresher.