Milan: first city in Europe to have taxis sanitized by UV technology

Just in time for the upcoming flu and Covid season

On Wednesday, 19 October, Arianna Censi, the Milanese Councilor for Mobility, presented an innovative device that is set to become an integral part of the local taxi cabs – a UV-C ray technology that sanitizes the air by killing up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.

Thanks to the collaboration with Beghelli, the manufacturer of the device called SanitaAria Mini, the latter was installed on board the first cars, already driving on the Italian city streets. The initiative aims to provide support to local taxi companies to facilitate the adoption of devices with proven efficacy for public safety and health.

Safe and effective solution for public health protection

The technology replicates the natural purifying action of solar radiation, to break down contaminants from the air without interfering with people's habits. The antimicrobial efficacy was tested by private laboratories and by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, while the Department of Molecular Medicine of the University of Padua evaluated its operation in the environment.

The small size of the device allows it to be placed in different contexts for effective protection against the spread of Covid-19 but also against other pathologies of viral and bacterial origin, such as seasonal flu. Placing it behind the headrests of the front seats of the taxi, passengers and the driver are protected thanks to the barrier that reduces the viral load in the passenger compartment. The device connects to the cigarette lighter socket and is automatically activated when the car is turned on, for continuous operation.

"We have always supported innovations and collaborations aimed at protecting the health of Milanese citizens. Our city stands out for its spirit of experimentation and its inhabitants show that they are always looking for solutions that improve life. Today, with this virtuous collaboration, we show that we are once again at the forefront of these issues", explained Councilor Censi on the occasion.