While promising vaccines and genetically-engineered mosquitoes are providing hope in the fight against malaria, it currently remains a major and potentially life-threatening problem in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
These regions are also hot and sticky; making LG’s introduction of an air conditioner that it claims actively repels mosquitoes as it keeps the house cool a seemingly obvious blending of technologies. The company recently unveiled its latest residential air conditioner (RAC), the Anti-Mosquito, at a launch event held in Lagos. Built to provide maximum comfort and reliable operation, the new model features mosquito-repelling ultrasonic wave technology.
“LG prides itself on tailoring its products and technologies to the specific needs of consumers in Africa,” said Junhwa Jeong, general manager, Air-conditioning, LG Electronics, who hosted the event. “In Nigeria, as well as in a number of other African countries, malaria remains a prevalent threat. LG’s Anti-Mosquito air conditioner is a great example of the company’s commitment to improving both health security and the quality of life in Africa by applying technological innovations in intelligent ways.” Completely harmless to humans, the repellant technology inside the Anti-Mosquito air conditioner deters 64 percent of the female Anopheles mosquitoes within 24 hours and 82 percent overall according to Peety Grady Chamber tests. (Females of the genus Anopheles are malaria transmitters.)
Aside from offering greater peace of mind, LG’s Anti-Mosquito AC also comes with all the advantages of LG’s advanced air conditioning technologies; it delivers powerful cooling and is remarkably reliable even in extreme temperatures. “Every region poses different challenges from an engineering perspective. In Nigeria and other West African countries, the sun is hotter, dust build-up tends to be greater and the electricity supply is unpredictable,” said Jung. “By matching technologies directly to these region-specific challenges, we can create real solutions that will help bring about profound and meaningful changes to consumer lifestyles.”Designed specifically for areas with unreliable power supplies, the technology in the Super Automatic Voltage Switcher (Super AVS) is another example of a tailored solution for the West African market. Power blackouts and surges play havoc with electronic devices; the Super AVS guards against this havoc and protect the compressor from being damaged by fluctuations in the electric current. In addition, LG’s Tropical Compressor is designed to operate in hotter climates.
Finally, LG’s unique Plasmaster air filtering technology has also been included to remove harmful substances and bacteria from the air. “In terms of economic development, the entire African continent has enormous potential. We’re especially excited that some of LG’s technologies, including the Anti-Mosquito air conditioner, will help people across the continent to unlock that potential,” said Mohammed Fouani, managing director, Fouani Nigeria Limited “However, LG has also sought to move well beyond its role as a technology provider; we have put into place a number of initiatives to combat poverty and promote community-building.” LG has contributed to a whole range of infrastructure and social programs in Africa for some time now. The company is currently collaborating with a number of international organisations in efforts to fight disease, protect the environment and end poverty.
In cooperation with the International Vaccine Institute, LG helped to develop and administer a vaccine for cholera in Ethiopia. Fifteen LG Hope Schools in Kenya provide students with the opportunity to learn and enjoy healthy, nutritious food. In association with the UN World Food Program, LG also ran a donation campaign for Ethiopia, which raised USD 341,034. The money was then used to provide meals to more than three million Ethiopians. “The mosquito-repelling technology of our Anti-Mosquito air conditioner is our latest innovative feature geared to the African market, but I assure you, it won’t be the last,” said Fouani “LG is committed to helping Africa achieve a better future.”
