VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA, October 16, 2001 — As a result of recent world events, Service Systems is introducing a new, multi-barrier, disinfection system designed for protection against contaminants such as Anthrax, E. Coli, Cryptosporidium (Crypto), Giardia, and other infectious bio-organisms.
Service Systems is working with a body of data to design a number of UV based multi-barrier systems for air and water, intended to:
1) Inactivate vegetative cells
2) Capture spores and prevent germination and outgrowth
The new multi-barrier UV disinfection systems will be designed and sold to deal with a wide variety of contaminants including Anthrax. The system addresses a variety of disinfection needs for air and water treatment in homes, commercial establishments and municipalities.
Water purifiers will be sized for point-of-use (under kitchen sink), individual residences and municipal treatment plants. Air purifiers will allow application as stand-alone single room purifiers or as a multi-room unit that is attached to the central air conditioning system. This new air purifier represents an advanced generation of air cleaner and brings Service Systems into a new, multi-million dollar market sector.
Service Systems' Ultra Guard disinfection system is used in many locations as a means to guard against many infectious organisms.
Service System's President, Ken Fielding states, "Over the last thirty years, numerous researchers have carried out extensive experimental work in an effort to determine lethal ultraviolet dosages to inactivate a wide variety of microorganisms. Studies have shown that the DNA and RNA in the nucleus of microorganisms absorb ultraviolet radiation (UV), inhibiting their reproduction.
"The amount of ultraviolet energy required to produce this effect is normally referred to as lethal dosage (dosage). The term dosage is used to describe the total amount of energy absorbed by the microorganism and is a product of the UV lamp's intensity and period of exposure."
"That work has resulted in Dose tables that define the inactivation dose for organisms such as Escherichia coli; Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia and many others. These organisms have been in the news in recent history, due to their impact on the health and well-being of millions of people. Cryptosporidium's resistance to traditional chemical disinfectants has resulted in sickness and unnecessary suffering in many communities over the years. Recently it was discovered that this organism is easily inactivated by UV light."
"In some circumstances, treatment is especially challenging given the organism's specific resistance to disinfection. In these cases, UV may be applicable or economically viable only at a specific stage of the organism's development. To meet the challenge, a multi-barrier approach is required to address the UV resistant stage of the organism's life cycle. For example, it is generally accepted that Anthrax spores can only be destroyed by steam sterilization or burning, but not by disinfectants.
"Spores from the bacterium enter the bodies of animals or humans causing infection. Anthrax is classified by route of entry. Infection can occur through skin, mouth or nose. These classifications are Inhalation Anthrax, Cutaneous Anthrax via injured skin or mucous membranes, and Gastrointestinal Anthrax."
"As the spores germinate, they release potentially lethal toxins. While in the spore stage, the bacterium is highly resistant to harsh climatic conditions as well as disinfection. The spores are reported to be able to survive up to 60 years waiting for the right conditions to infect its host. The spores subsequently germinate into vegetative cells that quickly multiply and release their toxins to the host. The vegetative cells are treatable by UV in relatively low dosages that vary with the medium, air or water", says Fielding.
"We plan to capitalize on our experience and extend it to improving air quality", Fielding adds. "Why pay money to just filter or ionize the air when the consumer can now choose to also disinfect it from harmful bio-organisms for a similar cash outlay?"
The company intends to market this new line of disinfection products through its worldwide agent network and directly through its web site.
Service Systems International, Ltd. announced on February 16, 2000 its acquisition of 100% ownership of UV Systems Technology Inc., a company engaged in the ultraviolet disinfection of microbiological contaminates.
Through UV Systems Technology Inc., Service Systems offers state-of-the-art disinfection systems to the water treatment industry using ultraviolet light produced by specially designed mercury vapour lamps.
Expressions of interest and requests for additional information should be directed to Service Systems at www.servicesystems.com or www.ultraguard.com.
