Elevating our Standards: iWave Air Filtration

In January 2021, Varnish Lane once again raised the benchmark for safety in the nail care industry. After months of researching methods used by hospitals and school systems, we identified a process called needlepoint bi-polar ionization as one of the most effective air purification technologies that could be used in our shops. Third-party testing, funded by the manufacturer of the system Varnish Lane installed (iWave), shows that bi-polar ionization can reduce over 99% of microbes (including Covid-19) in a matter of 30 minutes, as well as efficiently eliminating other pathogens and odors. Needlepoint bi-polar ionization uses carbon fiber brushes to produce a refined electrical charge to proactively and safely clean the air in residential and commercial buildings. The specific system Varnish Lane installed uses equal amounts of positive and negative ions (combined charge-neutral) that react and break down pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. This creates healthy air without producing any harmful byproducts like ozone or unstable ROS (Reactive Oxidation Species) molecules. Hospitals including Johns Hopkins, Children’s Hospital Boston and the University of Maryland Medical Center use similar bi-polar ionization systems.

We continue to innovate and demonstrate leadership in setting a new standard for the nail service industry. At Varnish Lane, we treat our staff and clients like family and strive to ensure we are taking all of the precautions needed to guarantee that beauty doesn’t come at the expense of health and safety.

FAQ’s

Can you provide more information about the 3rd party testing? 

Our supplier conducted 3rd party lab testing and the technology has been in use for many years. Bi-polar ionization systems have been installed in hundreds of thousands of locations across the U.S. including schools, hospitals and restaurants. It has been independently tested by Innovative Bioanalysis, EMSL, Analytic Group Lab, and GCA to be proven effective at killing numerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, including SARS-CoV2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 disease – killing 99.4% of the virus in only 30 minutes.

How does it work? 

iWave devices are bi-polar and use two emitters to create equal amounts of negative and positive ions. When the ions enter the air system they break down pollutants into harmless compounds like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. Additionally, when these charged ions contact viruses, bacteria or mold, they remove the hydrogen molecules from those pathogens, effectively destroying those pathogens. These charged ions also attach to allergens, such as pollen and smoke, increasing the effectiveness of air filters capturing those larger particles. 

Are nail salons required to have air purification? Or, don’t all nail salons have to install air purification systems?

While many municipalities require nail salons to install air purification systems, the requirements are usually focused on reducing volatile organic compounds and not necessarily the breadth of particles that the system we installed will reduce. 

Does the system you installed work when the air system is not blowing air?

The iWave system impacts air that is passing through our HVAC system. Thus, during hours of operation, even if our heating elements or air compressor are not activated, our fan remains in operating mode to continue pushing air through the system. 

Do you use any sort of UV light systems in your locations?  

Some UV light can be harmful to the eyes and skin and must be used carefully. While some UV systems can be placed in HVAC systems, UV treatment only impacts particles that pass through the system whereas bi-polar ionized particles have been shown to impact particles that they “contact” even if other particles have not circulated through an HVAC system.