Enforcing smoking policies in entertainment spaces, such as cruise ship casinos and cigar lounges, has long been a challenge for the maritime industry.
Despite designated zones and signage, smoke frequently drifts into non-smoking areas, affecting air quality and compromising the comfort of guests and crew.
With cruise operators under pressure to protect health, while preserving the on board experience, finding a solution that works in real-world conditions has been challenging.
However, maritime healthcare and wellness solutions provider VIKAND, is helping cruise operators address smoke-related air quality challenges with systems powered by Pyure Technology®.
Independent testing shows how these air purification systems dramatically improve the experience for non-smoking passengers and crew members in on board amenities where smoking is permitted.
Casinos and cigar lounges are some of the few remaining indoor spaces where smoking is allowed on cruise ships.
While designated outdoor smoking zones aim to protect non-smokers, smoke often travels beyond these areas, compromising air quality and the overall guest and crew experience.
VIKAND’s solution targets a comprehensive range of airborne and surface contaminants, including bacteria, mould, smoke odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as nicotine, which linger in both air and on surfaces from second-hand smoke.
Recently, Pyure Technology® was put to the test by the IEP Group, an independent testing lab, in partnership with Churchill Downs (CDI), owner of the Kentucky Derby®.
CDI installed Pyure’s hydroxyl-based air purification technology at two major venues, which are similar settings to cruise ship casinos – the Churchill Downs race track and Newport Racing & Gaming – and invited IEP to test its impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) and surface sanitation, with groundbreaking results.
Despite weeks of interior smoke exposure, no nicotine was detected in the air or on surfaces, confirming that Pyure significantly reduces airborne and surface bacteria, mould and VOCs in complex, high-traffic environments similar to those found on cruise ships.
Interior testing further revealed significant bacterial reductions on commonly touched surfaces, including a 93% reduction on bathroom handles, 90% reduction on slot machines, 84% reduction on ATM keypads, and 80% reduction at bar drink stations.
VIKAND has installed Pyure’s air purification technology on over 30 cruise ships, including smoking rooms and cigar lounges across multiple fleets.
These installations enable cruise lines to deliver exceptional guest and crew experience while reducing public health risks, improving crew working conditions and enhancing environmental sustainability through energy-efficient purification, the company said.
According to a study published in the March, 2024 ASHRAE Journal, Pyure’s air purification technology enables greater use of recirculated room air, significantly reducing HVAC energy demand and improving overall fuel efficiency on board.
“In high-traffic, high-contact spaces like casinos, where air and surface quality are paramount, our solutions help cruise operators protect what matters most – the health and trust of their guests and crew,” said Mattias Hallberg, VIKAND’s Technical Solutions Director.
According to Dr Connie Araps, Pyure Scientific Officer, “Second-hand smoke contains thousands of harmful organic compounds that linger in the air and on surfaces.
“Pyure’s hydroxyl technology rapidly and safely breaks down these pollutants including nicotine, benzene, and formaldehyde restoring indoor air quality and giving cruise operators a scientifically proven way to improve safety and comfort for everyone on board,” he said.
As the cruise industry continues to seek innovations that enhance health, sustainability and guest experience, VIKAND and Pyure’s air purification solution delivers measurable results, reliable protection and lasting peace of mind, the companies claimed.
