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| Source: SHARP. Plasmacluster technology is found in SHARP Purefit air purifiers. |
For over 20 years, SHARP’s Plasmacluster technology has been a trusted and highly effective solution for improving air quality and wellbeing. The technology generates positive and negative ions in proportions found in nature, offering a unique way to purify indoor air.
SHARP recently commissioned Shizuoka University to conduct a study which has found that Plasmacluster ions, used in SHARP's Purefit air purifiers, keep people and the air around them healthy and create healthier environments1. The study found that Plasmacluster technology is able to suppress airborne allergens, viruses, bacteria, microbes and mould, creating a cleaner and safer indoor environment.
Plasmacluster technology works by using plasma discharge to generate ions surrounded by water molecules. The ions attach themselves to substances in the air, after which they immediately transform into hydroxyl (OH) radicals. The act of transformation into OH radicals neutralises airborne particles, such as viruses and bacteria, by decomposing their protein surfaces. The Plasmacluster ions have been scientifically proven to purify air by binding to and breaking down impurities such as bacteria, viruses, mould and odours.
Beyond air purification, Plasmacluster technology has significant benefits for cognitive performance. A study showed that exposure to Plasmacluster ions improved concentration and brain activity. In a driving study, participants exposed to Plasmacluster ions were able to brake 0.5 s earlier, reducing stopping distance by 7 m. The research also highlighted a notable increase in the smoothness of steering wheel movements2 , indicating improved control and precision during both manual and self-driving scenarios.
Participants also experienced decreased drowsiness3 , further enhancing their ability to respond quickly and effectively while driving. Athletes and e-sports participants also exhibited more than double the brain activity and faster response times4.
1 Seedlings exposed to Plasmacluster had a length of 15.42 mm while seedlings exposed to fans were 4.06 mm long after 3 days.
2 Drivers exposed to Plasmacluster ions had smoother steering wheel movements, reducing entropy (randomness) from approximately 0.63 to 0.58, compared to air flow only.
3 Exposure to Plasmacluster ions significantly reduced drowsiness levels, lowering the rating from approximately 2.5 to 1.8 compared to air flow only.
4 Participants exposed to these ions exhibited more than double the brain activity compared to those without exposure and demonstrated response times that were faster by 2 seconds.
