VirWall launches new UV sanitizer to eliminate bacteria, virus from communication devices

Mar 22 2011

ViraShield, the new UV (ultraviolet light) sanitizer introduced by VirWall Systems Inc., is the first multi-purpose device of its kind that takes only seconds to rid those products we've come to depend on (computer keyboards, iPhones, iPads, iPods) of the bacteria and viruses that typically crawl, breed and cover the surfaces of our personal communications devices. The new ViraShield costs less than a penny per use (retails for $249) and has utility in school classrooms, hospitals, home offices and in businesses -- especially where shared computers are common.

Easy to use, the 26" x 11" x 5" unit fits like a lid over a standard computer keyboard, or over a group of iPhones, iPads and more, to rid your electronic devices of bacteria and viruses in about 30 seconds.

"Recent studies have shown the average computer keyboard is home to more than 3000 germs per square inch," notes product inventor Jon Roberts, PhD, engineer and founder of VirWall Systems Inc. "The powerful germicidal 254 nm UV light will help protect you from the widest range of germs - including MRSA, E. coli and even swine flu, plus the usual suspects - staph, strep, influenza A, norovirus and more."

Baltimore physician and pediatrician Joseph Berk, MD, adds, "Most people don't have any clue about the significant germ threat that computer keyboards pose to the user, including our kids in school. This device will go a long way to reduce the threat of bacteria on contaminated keys and on other inanimate objects in everyday use, including cell phones.

"One study revealed that the typical cell phone carries more germs per square inch than a toilet seat," adds Dr. Berk. "That's because germs multiply in the type of warmth that the phones generate. And, the surface is touched by contaminated fingers as well as exposed to your breath, coughs and sneezes."

Although a school classroom was one of the first commercial users of the ViraShield, the product is strong enough to kill even resistant bacteria or viruses that may be found in hospital settings or on keypads of mobile diagnostic units, as well as eradicate germs that are commonly found on computer keyboards in libraries, in work stations on college campuses or in offices where temps share computers or where users eat at their desks.

"Eating at the desk is one of the most serious causes of contaminated keyboards," explains Dr. Roberts. "Germs will feed, breed and set up housekeeping even on the smallest crumbs," he explains. "Those who have tried the units even used it for sanitizing kitchen cutting boards and surfaces where food is prepared. There is a broad range of additional uses we are evaluating," he added.

The product has won a number of innovation and environmental protection awards, including the Yankee "Green" Award for products with a proven environmental benefit in its class, and an Inpex Invention and New Product Exposition medal in 2008 prior to the product's 2011 market introduction.

Source: VirWall Systems Inc