Interview with Horst Veith – Serial Inventor

Horst Veith`s mental output has produced inventions which are well known nowadays all over the world, e. g. the flexible drinking straw, moon boots, chemical free mattress cleaning system.
Mentioned are only a few of over 100 inventions. One development particularly stands out of the spectrum.                      
It has saved lives and contributed towards containing the lungs epidemic SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in 2003.
The feared pandemic was the main subject of television and press reports. Horst Veith tells us in the following interview how it came to the development of the anti SARS spray:

Mister Veith, tell us about your motivation to develop an anti-epidemic spray in such a difficult field?
To put it globally – the absolute necessity at that time and the knowledge of the particular environment in Asia. Immediately at the outbreak of the SARS epidemic in May 2003 I made inquiries at the Robert Koch Institute and the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University. At that time scientists worldwide were working on the SARS epidemic. But these inquiries alone did not pave the way for the planned anti SARS spray. They did however reveal crucial parameters which were essential for the specifications and development of such a spray

In this particular case those were…?
The sensivity of the Asian population to the use of disinfection spray indoors and in public transport. As well as the quick, unproblematic and efficient effectiveness without additionally being a health hazard. It was particularly important to find an agent, which the population felt it could accept.

How long did it take to develop the anti SARS spray?
The infections with fatalities were spreading every day transnationally, so speed was of the essence. We worked day and night to produce the concentrate.

…and then?
To test the spray’s effectiveness it was necessary to carry out a test with the SARS virus. I had assistance from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Clinic; the test was carried out in their maximum security section. I had anticipated the result but at the same time it came as a surprise: the SARS virus was killed within a few seconds, scientifically documented. Consequently the go ahead for worldwide use was given.

Who was considerably involved in the swift marketing?
The international media was very helpful for example. I gave 60 interviews in just one day. Delegations from different governments came to visit and were very enthusiastic.

But how did you cope with it logistically, commercially?
These really were tough challenges but I was able rely on my team. The anti-SARS-spray was dispatched to Asia via container, partly via airfreight. Airlines reacted promptly and used the spray to protect their passengers.

How did success show in the pandemic regions?
In China a great number of taxis and public transport that went via the airports was mandatorily equipped. In South Korea in particular, large quantities were delivered to the population to inhibit an outbreak of the epidemic, bringing the desired results apart from a few isolated cases.

Suppose there would be a new SARS epidemic?
In that case we would revive our secret formulation, hopefully preventing it from spreading.

What else do you have stored in your mental inventor’s safe?
Lots. More than I can implement in all the remaining years of my life.