The purpose of a virus filter is revealed in the phrase itself. A virus filter is meant to filter out the virus particles that can/are floating around in the air: “air from the outside… passes… through virus filters… into the suit” (Preston, 1994, pg.221). The filter stops and traps the virus particles in its pores. The size and design of virus filters must be accurate and well thought out. The pores have to be much smaller than the object it is trying to filter out. A smaller hole ensures that the virus is not able to pass through and into the individual’s air passageways and kill the individual. The Ebola virus is very miniscule in size; one virus is approximately 970 nanometers long and approximately 80 nanometers in diameter (ViralZone: Ebolavirus, 2014). This signifies that the virus filter must have holes that are smaller than 80 nanometers in diameter. The virus must not be allowed to wiggle and slide itself right through the filter; the purpose of the virus filter would be defeated. If the virus filter’s holes were any bigger, the viruses would enter the main oxygen source for the wearer of the filter. A mistake in the production of these virus filters would mean the end of the person’s life. Science is accuracy and safety. Even the slightest sliver of indolence would make inventions and scientific studies pointless.
Preston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York: Random House.
ViralZone: Ebolavirus. (2014). Retrieved June 10, 2015, from http://viralzone.expasy.org/all_by_species/207.html
The purpose of a virus filter is revealed in the phrase itself. A virus filter is meant to filter out the virus particles that can/are floating around in the air: “air from the outside… passes… through virus filters… into the suit” (Preston, 1994, pg.221). The filter stops and traps the virus particles in its pores. The size and design of virus filters must be accurate and well thought out. The pores have to be much smaller than the object it is trying to filter out. A smaller hole ensures that the virus is not able to pass through and into the individual’s air passageways and kill the individual. The Ebola virus is very miniscule in size; one virus is approximately 970 nanometers long and approximately 80 nanometers in diameter (ViralZone: Ebolavirus, 2014). This signifies that the virus filter must have holes that are smaller than 80 nanometers in diameter. The virus must not be allowed to wiggle and slide itself right through the filter; the purpose of the virus filter would be defeated. If the virus filter’s holes were any bigger, the viruses would enter the main oxygen source for the wearer of the filter. A mistake in the production of these virus filters would mean the end of the person’s life. Science is accuracy and safety. Even the slightest sliver of indolence would make inventions and scientific studies pointless.
ReplyDeletePreston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York: Random House.
ViralZone: Ebolavirus. (2014). Retrieved June 10, 2015, from http://viralzone.expasy.org/all_by_species/207.html