The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how airborne pathogens can disrupt societies, yet current defenses—masks, vaccines, ventilation—are often reactive or inaccessible. One way to address this gap could involve a proactive, integrated system that monitors air quality, neutralizes pathogens, and detects outbreaks early, particularly in resource-limited settings.

How the System Could Work

The idea combines three core components:

• Real-time monitoring: Low-cost sensors track pathogens, particulate matter, and other risks, feeding data to a cloud platform.
• Air purification: Modular units with HEPA filters and shielded UV-C light sanitize air in high-traffic areas (e.g., hospitals, buses), automatically disabling UV-C when people are near to ensure safety.
• Early alerts: AI analyzes trends to flag potential outbreaks, integrating with local health systems.

For communities with limited budgets, tiered pricing or NGO partnerships could make the system affordable. A pilot in a Sri Lankan hospital, using off-the-shelf parts, might validate feasibility before scaling to schools or transport hubs.

Comparison to Existing Solutions

Current air purifiers (like Dyson’s) focus on filtration, while monitors (like Airthings) lack pathogen-specific data or purification. UV disinfection tools (e.g., Honeywell’s UV Angel) target surfaces, not airborne threats. This approach could stand out by unifying monitoring, sterilization, and public health coordination—especially in regions where such integration is rare.

Potential Impact

Beyond reducing outbreaks, the system might benefit:

• Governments: Lower healthcare costs and economic disruption.
• Businesses: Fewer sick days and higher productivity.
• Vulnerable groups: Immunocompromised individuals gain an extra layer of protection.

Revenue could come from hardware sales, data subscriptions for health agencies, or licensing the tech to HVAC manufacturers.

By focusing on scalability and local needs, this could offer a practical step toward healthier shared spaces.