Panasonic unveils COVID-fighting air conditioner

PANASONIC Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) recently launched a window-type inverter air conditioner equipped with its proprietary nanoe X technology, which, according to the company, protects against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), viruses, and indoor pollutants.  

“We’ve found that the effectiveness of nanoe X technology against COVID-19 with mutated RNA or spike proteins remains unchanged,” said Francis Serrato, communications and product planning manager of Panasonic Air-Conditioning Philippines, at the virtual product launch. “It’s still effective.”  

The new model is suitable for home use, such as in the bedroom or the living room.   

Verified as having an inhibitory effect on the novel coronavirus, nanoe X technology was tested in research institutes such as Texcell in Paris, France. In Osaka Prefecture University in Osaka, Japan, nanoe X inhibited  in small, 45-liter test spaces, said Masaru Toyota, chief executive officer and president of Panasonic Air-Conditioning Philippines. 

The nanoe X air conditioner collects moisture in the air and applies voltage to it to produce hydroxyl radicals, which are natural oxidizing agents, said Mr. Serrato.  

“Hydroxyl radicals are actually good, and they occur naturally in the environment. They purify the air,” said Dr. Rontgene M. Solante, chief of adult infectious diseases and tropical medicine at San Lazaro Hospital, which is equipped with nanoe X air conditioners. 

However, this doesn’t mean that the appliance guarantees safety from infection. Dr. Camilo C. Roa, Jr., a pulmonologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital who also uses a Panasonic air conditioner in his office, said: “Vaccination is really a must. This nanoe X is simply environmental control — it will add a layer of protection, but we cannot rely on just one layer of protection.” — B. H. Lacsamana