XCMR Demonstrates Next-Generation PPE at 2023 EPA International Decontamination Research and Development Conference

Chris Bowers, XCMR's Computational Analyst, presented the company’s novel UVC-based personal protection equipment (PPE) at this year’s EPA conference, addressing the need for advanced protection against airborne diseases.

The technology offers superior protection, improved comfort, reduced environmental impact, and adaptability to future threats.

XCMR’s participation in the conference highlights its commitment to innovation and developing solutions for critical public health challenges.

XCMR recently participated in the 2023 EPA International Decontamination Research and Development Conference, where Chris Bowers presented on the topic of “Next Generation Personal Protective Equipment for Real-time Inactivation of Airborne Biological Threats.”

Addressing the need for advanced PPE

The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for innovative solutions to combat the spread of airborne diseases. XCMR’s presentation focused on the development of a novel UVC-based PPE that goes beyond traditional mechanical filtration to provide superior protection against biological threats.

Key advantages of XCMR's UV-C-based PPE

Enhanced protection: the technology offers superior protection to both users and those around them by continuously inactivating pathogens.

Improved comfort: the design reduces breathing resistance, enhancing user comfort and promoting greater adoption.

Reduced environmental impact: the reusable nature of the device minimizes biohazard waste associated with disposable masks.

Adaptability: the technology can be adapted to address future biological threats, providing a proactive solution for evolving public health challenges.

Technological Innovation

Unlike traditional methods, XCMR’s PPE integrates germicidal UV-C (200-280 nm) into an enclosed reactor, providing a safe, battery-powered, wearable device that inactivates pathogens during both inhalation and exhalation. Rigorous laboratory testing and computer simulations have validated the effectiveness of this approach.

Key features and design considerations

Optimized reactor design: various reactor configurations with different UV-C sources and irradiance levels were tested to achieve optimal pathogen inactivation.

Advanced materials: the use of microporous diffuse highly reflective material significantly amplified internal irradiance for enhanced effectiveness.

Human-centered design: wearability studies and anthropometric analysis informed the ergonomic design, ensuring comfort and promoting user adoption.

XCMR’s participation in this important EPA conference underscores our commitment to developing innovative solutions that address critical public health challenges. Our next-generation UV-C-based PPE represents a significant advancement in personal protection, offering enhanced safety, comfort, and sustainability. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology to create a safer and healthier future for all.