Some airports are attempting to prevent a viral illness in China that has sickened hundreds of people and prompted Chinese authorities to effectively shut down three cities.

AtmosAir Solutions, of Fairfield, is helping the millions of people who travel through LAX airport in Los Angeles breathe cleaner, healthier air by sending ions through air conditioning and heating vents.

Tubes from an air purifier produce ions that act as "Pac-Men," which destroy bacteria, germs, and viruses. It also removes bacteria found on surfaces at the airport.

Bipolar ionization has been tested against coronavirus in Asia and was shown to be effective against it.

News 12 spoke with Tony Abate, of AtmosAir Solutions of Fairfield, to learn more about how ionization works.