15/02/2026
Research shows changing airflow cuts infection risk by 90%.
And now, a new 'jet-sink' airflow technology could slash indoor infection risks, offering a breakthrough for shared spaces like offices and clinics.
Traditional ventilation systems often fail to protect individuals in close proximity or cause physical discomfort through constant, direct airflow. Researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan have engineered a "jet-sink" system that creates a localized purification zone around a person. Unlike standard vents that simply blow air, this design guides airflow to trap and remove exhaled aerosols immediately, preventing them from ever circulating into the wider room. This targeted approach ensures that even when people move or interact, the air remains significantly cleaner without causing common issues like dry skin or eye irritation.
The results, published in Building and Environment, are transformative: while standard room ventilation carries a 91% infection risk in certain shared scenarios, this new device slashes that risk to just 9.5%. In simulations of close-contact environments, the system removed up to 94% of airborne pathogens, effectively blocking inhalation during high-exposure periods. As indoor air quality remains a critical health factor in shared environments, this technology offers a scalable solution for high-traffic areas like classrooms and medical clinics, potentially setting a new global standard for indoor safety and disease prevention.
source: Zabihi, M., Li, R., & Brinkerhoff, J. A novel aerosol induction-removal system for mitigating airborne disease transmission in shared indoor environments. Building and Environment.
