Using its expertise in photonics and ultraviolet light to continue expanding its product range, Osram has launched the Air Zing Mini air purifier. This compact unit removes germs from the air inside vehicles and improves air quality for drivers and passengers by eliminating up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria.

In a closed, small area, like the interior of a vehicle, harmful germs can easily spread. The driver and passenger can be unknowingly carrying them and the ventilation system distributes the pathogens throughout the car. This is has always been a risk but this is now greatly heightened by Coronavirus.

The ultraviolet light of Osram’s Air Zing Mini works at a wavelength of 360 to 370 nanometers and can remove viruses and bacteria from the vehicle’s air with a reliability of up to 99.9 percent. The device has already been successfully tested against bird flu viruses. The air purifier also eliminates airborne allergens, pollutants or smells.

With a diameter of 7.5 cm, the small round device is no larger than an apple and easily attaches to the vehicle's ventilation slats with a clip. The included USB cable supplies power to the air purifier via any standard USB socket.

The device operates quietly and illuminates the brand logo on the top in a subtle blue to show that it is working. Air is drawn into the unit and passed through a titanium dioxide filter, where it is cleaned by an array of UV-A light emitting diodes. A photo-catalytic reaction kills viruses and bacteria cells before the purified air is expelled through the top of the housing.

The filter can be cleaned with clear tap water, dried and reused. There is no danger to passengers from the encapsulated UV radiation. Additionally, the device can be used freestanding, making applications outside the car possible, including on office desks.

The air purifier is expected to be available from 19 October 2020 from Osram stockists.