Lighting solutions company Lumileds has created the Philips GoPure GP5611 automotive air purifier, designed to clean air quickly and efficiently to reduce the transmission of airborne viruses, bacteria, and allergens.

Designed to fit in most vehicle cup holders, the GP5611 is USB powered and whisper quiet. It filters the cabin air with three advanced technologies: a Philips SaniFilter Plus filter, a HESAMax filtration cartridge, and a powerful UVC light. 

The Philips SaniFilter Plus filter captures bacteria and respiratory viruses as well as airborne allergens including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. It features an anti-microbial layer to inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside the device, including mold spores.

The SaniFilter Plus filter has been tested at IUTA laboratory in Germany and proven to capture 99% of ultra-fine particles, including particles as small as 0.004 microns that can get deep into the lungs and create serious health risks.

The Philips HESAMax cartridge (High Efficiency Sorbent Agent) removes chemicals, harmful gases, and unpleasant odours from the car, including formaldehyde, toluene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The cartridge contains two types of HESA material; white beads that draw formaldehyde from the air, break it down and safely lock it within the cartridge, and black carbon beads that absorb unpleasant smells.

The Philips HESAMax cartridge absorbs up to 30X more chemicals than the “carbon bags” commonly used in many portable purification devices. The patented HESAMax odour removal technology works even when the GoPure GP5611 is off.

For an added layer of protection, bacteria and viruses trapped in the GP5611 filters are killed by exposing them to ultraviolet light. UVC light damages the molecular bonds that hold DNA together, so it is highly effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses. UVC light has been used for sterilization in hospitals, hotels, and public transportation for decades.

The GP5611 UVC LEDs were tested at KR Biotech Lab on Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19 causing virus) by applying their UV light onto the viruses in a petri dish. They destroyed 99% of the viruses in 5 minutes.

The GP5611 UVC light is housed safely inside of the unit, preventing exposure to the passengers. While some other air purifiers use UV units with mercury lamps that may emit harmful ozone into the vehicle, the GoPure GP5611 UVC LED technology emits zero ozone.

According to Aubry Baugh, Lumileds Sr. Manager, Aftermarket Marketing Leader, NA, “The GoPure GP5611 is powerful enough to filter all the air in an average passenger vehicle in about 10 minutes, and since it fits in most vehicle cup holders, you can be up and running in less than a minute.”

Philips GoPure GP5611 is very low maintenance. In typical use, the SaniFilter Plus and HESAMax filters only needs to be replaced about once a year. The UVC LED module will last for the lifetime of the device. 

According to the US Environmental Agency (EPA), an air purifier does not treat or prevent illnesses caused by airborne pathogens, and by itself, does not protect against exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19, but it can be part of a plan to help protect you and your family from exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses.

Reference: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/air-cleaners-hvac-filters-and-coronavirus-covid-19

Editor note: For more information on Philips testing, contact: philipsautomotivemarketing@lumileds.com

For more information, email: philipsautoorders@lumileds.com or call 1-866-254-6989.