FAQs about ISOL-AIDE Mail Processing Products:

Is ISOL-AIDE effective against Ricin?
Are ISOL-AIDE products difficult to operate?
What is an ULPA grade HEPA filter?
Is there evidence ISOL-AIDE is effective for organisms like anthrax?
Is ISOL-AIDE effective against smallpox?
Are gloves and masks still necessary using ISOL-AIDE products?
If I use ISOL-AIDE products can I still become infected?
Does OSHA require isolation products for mail processing?
Where can I find official information about bioterrorism and mail processing?
What should I do if I discover contaminated mail while using ISOL-AIDE products?
Why don't these products have alarms and UV light like the medical products?
How often do filters need to be changed?
What power requirements are necessary for ISOL-AIDE products?
How do I clean my CVFU or Isolation Station?
Can ISOL-AIDE products be leased?
What is the warranty on ISOL-AIDE products?

FAQs Specific to Isolation Rooms:

What is "Negative Pressure"?
Is the Isolation Room a "Clean Room"?
Why don't ISOL-AIDE rooms require an "airlock" or "ante room"?
How do I know that my Isolation Room is maintaining negative pressure?
Can I install a CVFU in my existing room to isolate mail processing?
What if I would rather exhaust air from the CVFU outdoors?
What is the largest Isolation Room available?
How long does it take to assemble an Isolation Room?
My plant/warehouse is air conditioned. Do I still need a thru-the-wall HVAC unit?
What if bioterrorism stops and my ISOL-AIDE room is no longer needed?

FAQs Specific to the Isolation Station:

How loud is the Isolation Station?
Does the Isolation Station create drafty conditions in an office environment?
Can I carry the Isolation Station from office to office?
Is the Isolation Station a "biological safety cabinet?"

FAQs about ISOL-AIDE Mail Processing Products

Is ISOL-AIDE effective against Ricin?
Ricin is one of the most toxic biological agents known -- a Category B bioterrorism agent and a Schedule 1 chemical warfare agent. Its chemical and physical properties make it an appropriate agent for use as a terrorist weapon. Ricin dispersed in particles smaller than 5 microns are an effective terrorist or military weapon via inhalation. Generally, it is technologically difficult to produce ricin particles of this size and necessary purity. However, ricin granules were discovered in mail being processed at the Dirksen Senate Office building in Washington, DC.

There is currently no data available regarding the size of the ricin particles discovered in Washington, DC. However, the ULPA filtration used by Isol-Aide capture particles .12 micron and larger This is less than 1/10th the particle size of that commonly used in ricin research (1 to 5 microns). This data suggests that ISOL-AIDE will capture and contain granulated ricin particles potentially found found in mail. (Back to top)

Are ISOL-AIDE products difficult to operate?
The CVFU in the isolation rooms and Isolation Stations are individually tested and calibrated for proper operation and air flow. As a result, there are no complicated settings or controls. Once in place, you simply turn them on when needed. (Back to top)

What is an ULPA grade HEPA filter?
"ULPA grade HEPA filter" is a commonly used phrase when referring to ULPA filters. In reality, ULPA and HEPA are two different types of filters. They are identical in appearance but ULPA filters are capable of capturing particles much smaller in size, at an efficiency rate 10 times greater than HEPA filters. The generic name "ULPA" stands for "Ultra Low Penetration Air" filter. ULPA filters are tested and rated to remove particles .12 micron in size and larger, at an efficiency of 99.9995%. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters remove particles .3 micron and larger at an efficiency of 99.99%. ISOL-AIDE commercial products use ULPA filtration. (Back to top)

Is there evidence ISOL-AIDE is effective for organisms like anthrax?
Yes, ISOL-AIDE's filtration was tested for efficacy when introduced as a medical device using viable, bacterial aerosols. The positive results of this testing were accepted for publication in the prestigious medical journal, "Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology" after a comprehensive peer review. The results stated "the ventilation-filtration unit efficiently cleared bacterial aerosols and particles >.2 micron from the air" and "maintained required negative pressures and air flows" (see ISOL-AIDE "Safety and Efficacy" page for more information).

Robert Marier MD MHA, Professor of Public Health and Dean, LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA performed the original ISOL-AIDE research and coauthored the article referenced above. He offered the following opinion about ISOL-AIDE mail processing products:

"After evaluating the design and function of the ventilation filtration systems you have developed for handling the mail, I feel that the mail processing isolation rooms and desktop stations are both appropriate and practical methods to isolate potentially contaminated mail in an office environment thereby protecting mail handlers and others who might be in the vicinity and who might otherwise be exposed to airborne biologic agents such as anthrax."

"It is my opinion based on the research that we carried out more than 10 years ago with the Isol-aide system for the protection of health care workers from multi drug resistant tuberculosis that this device will significantly lower the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens and that Isol-Aide devices are an effective component of a comprehensive mail handling safety program that would include personal protective devices where appropriate, and employee training based on the most current CDC guidelines"

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 281 No. 18, May 12, 1999), anthrax spores are approximately 1 micron in size. ISOL-AIDE removes particles down to .12 micron. Also, The "CDC* Interim Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis in Work Sites Where Mail Is Handled or Processed" recommend "HEPA filters installed in the building's HVAC systems (if feasible) to capture aerosolized spores" (CDCHAN-00051-01-10-31-ADV-N). This additional evidence indicates that ISOL-AIDE's ULPA filtration system is effective. (Back to top)

Is ISOL-AIDE effective against smallpox?
To date, there have been no reported incidents of smallpox being used by biological terrorists in the mail. The Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 281 No. 22, June 9, 1999) states the smallpox virus is characteristically a brick-shaped structure with a diameter of about .2 micron (larger than .12 micron ULPA rating). Conventional HEPA filtration (.3 micron rating) is currently used in laboratories doing smallpox research and for respiratory protection in health care settings. This evidence would indicate that ISOL-AIDE's ULPA filtration would be effective should smallpox become a weapon in mail.(Back to top)

Are gloves and masks still necessary using ISOL-AIDE products?
The CDC interim recommendations (noted above) state "Protective, impermeable gloves should be worn by all workers who handle mail". They also state "Persons working with or near machinery capable of generating aerosolized particles (e.g., electronic mail sorters) or at other work sites where such particles may be generated should be fitted with NIOSH-approved respirators that are at least as protective as an N95 respirator". If mail is opened in the ISOL-AIDE Isolation Station or Acrylic Capture Chamber, aerosolized particles are isolated from the operator. However, should a contaminated piece of mail leak before entering either of these devices, personal inhalation protection would not be provided. The CDC states "These measures should be selected on the basis of an initial evaluation of the work site. This evaluation should focus on determining which processes, operations, jobs, or tasks would be most likely to result in an exposure should a contaminated envelope or package enter the work site". Therefore, it is recommended that each facility develop their own comprehensive program for employee personal protection. (Back to top)

If I use ISOL-AIDE products can I still become infected?
The Isolation Rooms and Isolation Station offer significant protection from "inhalation anthrax" infection, which has a fatality rate of approximately 90% once symptoms occur. They do not however, offer protection against "cutaneous (skin) anthrax," which has a fatality rate of less than 1% if treated. You must wear protective gloves and clothing for protection from cutaneous anthrax infection. A combination of employee education, a comprehensive safety program and effective engineering controls like ISOL-AIDE products is necessary to provide the maximum protection from infection. (Back to top)

Does OSHA require isolation products for mail processing?
Currently, we have found no OSHA engineering control requirements. (Back to top)

Where can I find official information about bioterrorism and mail processing?
The following government web sites are excellent sources of information and are the reference for many of the answers to the questions on this site. (Back to top)

CDC's Interim* Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis in Work Sites Where Mail Is Handled or Processed

CDC's Facts about: Anthrax, Botulism, Pneumonic Plague, Smallpox

OSHA Recommendations for Handling Suspicious Letters or Packages

FBI Advisory: What should you do if you receive a suspicious letter or package?

What should I do if I discover contaminated mail while using ISOL-AIDE products?
The government guidelines issued on the web sites shown above are an excellent source of information. They typically state that you should isolate the mail and call the appropriate authorities. If the contaminated mail is in the ISOL-AIDE Isolation Station, Acrylic Capture Chamber or Isolation Room, do not remove it or turn off the device. The air flow into the device is necessary to isolate the threat until the proper authorities arrive. You may also want to contact your local health department or authorities before implementing your mail processing program for their specific recommendations. (Back to top)

Why don't these products have alarms and UV light like the medical products?
The ISOL-AIDE VFU and Chamber were designed specifically for health care settings. They were implemented in hospitals, prisons, HIV clinics and multi-drug resistant TB treatment centers. The filters were constantly exposed to airborne organisms that could potentially colonize inside of the unit once trapped. The UV light irradiated organisms trapped in the filter to protect employees maintaining the devices. The alarms were necessary to notify nurses of potential problems and non-compliant patients leaving their rooms. These features are unnecessary in a commercial setting. (Back to top)

How often do filters need to be changed?
The recommendation for changing prefilters is 720 hours (approximately one month of continuous use). However, since this filter is inexpensive, easily changed and extends the life of the more expensive ULPA filter, many choose to change it monthly as part of a preventive maintenance program. The ULPA filter should last 3-5 years, depending on the quality of the ambient air and how often the prefilter is replaced. (Back to top)

What power requirements are necessary for ISOL-AIDE products?
Both the Isolation Station and the CVFU are equipped with a power cord with polarized plug end for connection to a grounded, duplex receptacle with field voltage of 120/1/60 (standard 120V., 15A., wall outlet with ground). The power that is required for Isolation Rooms will depend on the size of the room, the size of the HVAC unit and the mail processing equipment utilized in the room. (Back to top)

How do I clean my CVFU or Isolation Station?
The painted metal surfaces can be cleaned with a mild detergent. Acrylic components of the Acrylic Capture Chamber and Isolation Station MUST be cleaned using an acrylic cleaner/polish. Glass cleaners and other spray cleaners will damage the devices and void the warranty. (Back to top)

Can ISOL-AIDE products be leased?
Yes. ISOL-AIDE products are considered capital equipment. Component Systems, Inc. does not lease ISOL-AIDE products but can provide your private leasing company or bank with all of the information required for your lease.

What is the warranty on ISOL-AIDE products?
The ISOL-AIDE CVFU and Isolation Station are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year after the date of shipment. Building components manufactured by A-WALL Building Systems and used to create Isolation Rooms are warranted for a period of 10 years. Room accessory items such as air conditioners and light fixtures manufactured by companies other than Component Systems, Inc. are warranted under the terms of each equipment manufacturer. (Back to top)

FAQs Specific to Isolation Rooms

What is "Negative Pressure"?
By OSHA's definition, "negative pressure" means the relative air pressure difference between two areas. A room that is under negative pressure has a lower pressure than adjacent areas, which keeps air from flowing out of the room and into adjacent room or areas". Simply put, the environment in a negative pressure room is somewhat like a vacuum. When doors are opened in negatively pressured rooms, air only rushes into the room, not out. (Back to top)

Is the Isolation Room a "Clean Room"?
Isolation rooms and clean rooms are similar in that they both use high efficiency filtration and room pressurization to control airborne contamination. However, clean rooms are positively pressurized to protect a product or process inside of the room from contamination in the surrounding ambient air. Unlike negatively pressured isolation rooms, when doors are opened in a clean room, air only rushes out, not in.(Back to top)

Why don't ISOL-AIDE rooms require an "airlock" or "ante room"?
Isolation rooms for mail processing are similar in many ways to hospital isolation rooms. Traffic may be frequent and staff will be pushing carts or carrying large items into the mail processing rooms. Research done in health care settings when ISOL-AIDE was first developed for TB isolation revealed that both of the ante room doors were often propped open by the staff, regardless of policy to the contrary. This practice severely compromised safety. The ISOL-AIDE patented, automatic fan speed control that compensates for pressure loss when doors are opened eliminated this problem. (Back to top)

How do I know that my Isolation Room is maintaining negative pressure?
When the red indicator light is illuminated on the CVFU, the device is activated and creating negative room pressure. However, the policy in health care settings typically dictates that patient isolation rooms be checked daily to verify proper operation using a visual indicator, or the room be equipped with an electronic pressure sensing device/alarm. A comprehensive plan for safe mail processing might include routine testing for negative room pressure using a visual indicator such as a smoke stick or tissue paper. Digital, electronic devices are also available from ISOL-AIDE as an accessory, but are costly to implement if your specific level of risk doesn't warrant the expense. (Back to top)

Can I install a CVFU in my existing room to isolate mail processing?
Yes. Like the VFU used in health care settings, the CVFU can be modified to "convert" an existing room. However, if your mail room is located in your main office and not isolated in a plant or warehouse, you will need to hire a mechanical engineer and contractor to make major, costly modifications to your existing HVAC system. You may also need to hire a carpenter to make architectural changes to your room. It is not the most cost-effective or recommended approach. (Back to top)

What if I would rather exhaust air from the CVFU outdoors?
An optional plenum with duct collar is available for the CVFU. However, depending on the length and routing of the ductwork, the amount of exhaust from the room may be significantly reduced. Also, outdoor influences such as wind can effect the performance of the CVFU's performance. It is highly recommended that this be avoided if possible. (Back to top)

What is the largest Isolation Room available?
ISOL-AIDE uses the A-WALL Building System to create the architectural enclosure. Pre-engineered A-WALL components can be configured to create unlimited room sizes and configurations. The largest room size recommended for a single CVFU is 12' x 24' x 8' ceiling (approximately 2,300 cubic feet). Multiple CVFU's and HVAC units can be installed in larger rooms to accommodate the additional cubic area of the room and still maintain negative room pressure. (Back to top)

How long does it take to assemble an Isolation Room?
The assembly time will vary depending on the size of the room. The Isolation Room pictured on this web site is 12' x 20' and required 2-1/2 days to assemble and wire in an area that was clear of obstructions. A-WALL building components are completely pre-engineered and assembled using common power and hand tools. (Back to top)

My plant/warehouse is air conditioned. Do I still need a thru-the-wall HVAC unit?
Through exhaust, the CVFU is replacing the air in the isolation room with surrounding, ambient air at a rate of 4 to 16 times each hour (the specific number of air changes will vary based on the size of each room). In some cases, conditioned ambient air may be sufficient to maintain comfort in the mail room. Factors to consider are how many people will occupy the room and what equipment will be used in the process. People and equipment generate heat in enclosed spaces. Therefore, the amount of exhaust may need to be increased or additional air conditioning may be necessary. (Back to top)

What if bioterrorism stops and my ISOL-AIDE room is no longer needed?
Since A-WALL pre-engineered buildings are demountable, the room can be relocated and used as office space or for storage. The panel with the CVFU can be replaced with a flush panel or window panel if desired. (Back to top)

FAQs Specific to the Isolation Station

How loud is the Isolation Station?
The Isolation Station generates less than 49 dba noise when operating. You can comfortably speak on the telephone when sitting near the device while it is operating. (Back to top)

Does the Isolation Station create drafty conditions in an office environment?
No. Air is being drawn into the front of the device at a velocity of approximately 200 feet/minute insure particle containment but exhausted out the rear at only 60 feet/minute and in a laminar fashion. Laminar (layered) exhaust minimizes draft and turbulence. (Back to top)

Can I carry the Isolation Station from office to office?
Yes, but it would require two people. The Isolation Station is a commercial, desktop device, similar in weight to a 32" television (125 pounds). Although portable, we highly recommend the optional mobile table if you intend to move it frequently.(Back to top)

Is the Isolation Station a "biological safety cabinet?"
The Isolation Station functions in the same manner as a Class I biosafety cabinet but has greater filter efficiency (most use HEPA filtration). Also, biological safety cabinets are typically much larger, significantly more expensive and aren't portable. (Back to top)