The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted emergency approval for American Airlines to use an anti-microbial disinfecting spray on its planes to kill the novel coronavirus.
SurfaceWise2, made by Dallas-based Allied BioScience Inc, has been shown to kill the pathogen on certain surfaces for up to seven days.
It’s the first long-lasting product approved by the agency to help fight the spread of the virus that has killed more than 176,000 Americans, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler told reporters during a media call on Monday.
‘This is a major, game-changing announcement for our efforts to combat coronavirus and COVID-19,’ he said.
‘This is a groundbreaking step that is expected to provide a longer-lasting protection in public spaces, increasing consumer confidence in resuming normal air travel and other activities.’
On Monday, the EPA granted emergency approval for American Airlines to use an anti-microbial disinfecting spray
SurfaceWise2, made by Dallas-based Allied BioScience Inc, binds to surfaces, creating a barrier that breaks down and kills virus particles for up to one week
American Airlines can only use the SurfaceWise2 for planes in Texas but hopes to eventually the spray across its fleet
American Airlines will begin spraying its airplane cabins with the disinfectant in its home base of Texas after the state filed the request for emergency approval.
SurfaceWise2 works by binding to surfaces, creating an invisible barrier that breaks down and kills virus particles for up to one week.
This will help lower the risk of transmission, especially from high-touch areas such as seats, armrests, tray tables and overhead bins.
The carrier hopes to eventually use it across its entire fleet, including its American Eagle regional partners.
However, currently the EPA is only allowing the spray to be used at facilities in Texas, including DFW International Airport, which is its largest hub.
Officials added that the spray does not eliminate the need for cleaning.
‘The American Airlines Clean Commitment is our promise that we’re taking bold measures and using the latest products and technology to help ensure our customers’ well-being when they travel with us,’ David Seymour, American’s CEO, said in a statement.
‘Thanks to rigorous evaluations conducted by the experienced professionals at the EPA, the American Airlines team and Allied BioScience, our multitiered program will become even stronger at safeguarding our customers and team members from virus such as coronavirus and the flu.’
Airlines have rolled out deeper cleaning and disinfecting of airplanes and airport facilities in an effort to convince people that it is safe to resume flying during the pandemic.
It’s been a struggle, with air traffic at less than one-third of what it was in 2019, according to data from the Transportation Security Administration.
Southwest Airlines, also based in Texas, has been using a two-step process in its cabins that involves an EPA-approved disinfectant spray followed by a separate antimicrobial spray that coats surfaces for at least 30 days.
Nearly all airlines require passengers to wear face masks, while some have added filters that bring new air into a plane every two to three minutes.
Some carriers, including Delta, JetBlue and Southwest, are not selling middle seats to allow for social distancing.
Wheeler said he expects SurfaceWise2 to be approved for use in other states in the near future, and even available for commercial purchase.
Reuters also reported that the EPA approved the spray to be used by Texas-based Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine’s two clinics for up to one year.
Link nguồn : https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8659167/EPA-approves-virus-killing-coating-American-Airlines-studies-use-schools.html
