Using germicidal UV light to destroy the RNA of viruses and the DNA of bacteria is not new science, but its application in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices such as ultraviolet germicidal lamps are changing the way schools, transportation systems, and businesses are keeping everyone safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC acknowledged recent research that proves tiny airborne particles responsible for SARS-CoV-2 can also travel farther than 6-feet, making UV light for room disinfection very important.
With COVID-19, even when people are standing at a distance of 6-feet, and especially if they’re indoors, talking, singing, or breathing heavily, the virus can travel even farther because the mode of air transmission can be by both droplets and aerosols.
According to Penn Medicine, “By comparison to droplets, aerosolized particles are infinitesimal. Size alone is not the only important distinction: Droplets fall to earth quickly, but aerosols can travel on air currents potentially for hours. Thus aerosolized viruses are likely to be much more infectious than viruses bound to respiratory droplets, and much more difficult to avoid.”
This means that even when people are standing at a distance of 6-feet, an aerosolized virus can travel even farther. The CDC has agreed that UVGI light devices (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Light) installed in HVAC air supply ducts in addition to HEPA filtration or the use of UVGI devices on or near the ceiling to irradiate upper room air are proven to kill or inactivate COVID virus that may otherwise circulate through the air.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation or UVGI uses the energy transmitted from a particular spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) light. The wavelengths associated with UVGI are not visible, but the energy generates electromagnetic radiation that can kill or inactivate viral, bacterial and fungal species. While the entire spectrum of UV light can kill microorganisms. The UVC energy that radiates between 240 and 280nm is the optimal wavelength to use for killing infectious microorganisms.
UVC light-generating systems can improve indoor air quality by reducing the spread of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. When UVGI light is generated by an irradiation device, it can disinfect surfaces, clear air streams, and reduce the spread of infectious, biological agents in food, air, and water.
An ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system will use UV LEDs to flood air systems and interior rooms with UVC light. Since UVC light creates a harsh environment for bacteria, mold, viruses, and other pathogens, the entire facility is essentially purified against these harmful agents. UV light-generating devices are not like other high energy light sources such as mercury UV lamps or fluorescent light bulbs. There are no hazardous chemicals like mercury, argon, xenon, or neon gases that need special disposal at the end of the lamp’s life cycle.
One type of UVGI system works by being mounted in the room, either hidden in the ceiling troffers or mounted 7-feet high on a wall. These units are excellent for classrooms, patient rooms, or office spaces for area purification of only those spaces that are in use. As air circulates throughout the UVGI fixture, invisible rays of UVC light work to disinfect the air and destroy the germs.
Other UVGI systems include portable units such as free-standing, UVC Surface & Air Disinfection LED Lamps, or tabletop UVC Surface Disinfection Lamps that can be used wherever needed – in student study areas, patient waiting rooms or private offices that need additional air circulation and purification devices.
UVGI devices, and UVC light on or near the ceiling to irradiate upper room air are proven to kill or inactivate the COVID virus
UVC light creates a harsh environment for bacteria, mold, viruses, and other pathogens.
An ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system can provide Air and Surface Disinfection needs including
Contact our led lighting company for more information on these ultraviolet germicidal irradiation light systems that are making it possible for employees, travelers, patients, and students to remain safe while indoors.
