A LEADING air management company is pioneering a new product which has been proven to destroy airborne bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus.

Bradford firm Mansfield Pollard has created UVent, which uses ultra-violet light to sterilise air, and can be used to ensure ultra clean air in healthcare, business, school and retail environments.

Described as being “at the forefront of thought in the fight against viruses both now and the future”, the firm has designed three styles of its new UVent product – stand-alone mobile, ceiling and duct mounted units.

Working in partnership with independent testing teams at the University of Bradford, University of Leeds and Public Health England, Mansfield Pollard believes its UV air sterilisation technology has the potential to support the economic recovery of both local and national businesses by creating safer working environments through ultra clean air.

The company is also progressing negotiations with both the NHS and Public Health England regarding the potential for it to supply thousands of its stand-alone mobile UV air sterilisation units – which could be placed next to a patient’s bed to keep the air sterile.

The technology itself uses UV-C to destroy airborne pathogens including bacteria and viruses through a process known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.

Operations director and co-owner Bryan Bentley said: “This technology has been proven to destroy bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus, bringing huge benefits for the healthcare sector, which is initially is our primary focus.

“But because of its flexibility and mobility, the UV air sterilisation units have the potential to be introduced within a range of working, educational and leisure environments. With this in mind, we are ready to quickly and safely upscale our production to satisfy the demand we expect to see.”

Mansfield Pollard was founded in Bradford in 1866, as sheet metal fabrication specialists to the woollen trade.

Changes in industry have seen the company evolve and the firm is now one of the UK’s leading specialist providers of industrial air handling units, kitchen ventilation and acoustic solutions.

Its two manufacturing sites have remained fully-operational throughout the Covid-19 crisis, in order to provide air handling services to the NHS and the data centre and telecommunications industries.

It has recently managed to design, manufacture and install a number of medical grade air handling units for critical care purposes across the UK.

“Like many other companies both locally and nationally, we continue to prioritise critical healthcare work in the national interest and remain ready to assist in any way we can in the fight against Covid-19,” it added.