As concerns about the coronavirus continue, everyone is increasingly interested in ways to disinfect high-traffic public spaces. Disinfecting large spaces with bleach or other chemical products can be tedious and sometimes insufficient. Olympia Lighting’s UVC germicidal lamps and fixtures are the perfect answer. As most evidence points to this virus being airborne, like many viruses, UVC Air Disinfection Technology is the most effective way to breakdown and inactive the DNA of infectious viruses and pathogens.
It is clear that an LED system creates the best UV-C germicidal lamp compared to the older glass tube version. Glass tubes can shatter and only last about 12,000 hours. Comparably, LED bulbs can last 30,000 hours.
LED bulbs also provide better UV light. They emit it at 265nm, compared to glass’ 254nm. This kills more germs. Not only that, LEDs produce no ozone, which can be emitted by glass tubes. Ozone can be hazardous to health if not properly treated. It’s best to avoid bulbs that produce it.
The placement of these lamps depends on the goal. If someone wants to use a UV light for room disinfection, placing the lamps in the duct system is often the solution. Then, any air that travels through the lighted part of the duct is sanitized.
If there is a specific, high-traffic location that requires sanitation, one or more UV lights are mounted so that they shine on the target area. For example, the entrance of an office building or a school is a perfect location for mounted UV light. Small items, like desks or chairs, can be placed under the light for disinfection. Any surface the light shines on is also disinfected.
In laboratories and similar settings, a UV sterilization system is typically made with a box-like container that has UV bulbs within. Items are placed inside this device, known as a “hood,” to be sterilized. This system helps to ensure that the items are exposed to a set amount of UV light and reduces the risk of recontamination of the items prior to use or storage.
There are multiple opinions on UV light disinfection time, with some recommending 12 or 15 minutes for lab equipment, while one study gives a time of 30 minutes. The effectiveness of UV exposure depends on the UV Lamp intensity and increases with the exposure’s duration. Therefore, it is better to err on the longer side, as long as 60 minutes when in doubt.
In short, No! According to the BBC’s Future, it is very bad for people to be exposed to the light from UV-C lamps. This is because what makes UV-C effective is its ability to damage DNA, and human DNA is not exempt.
Putting UV lamps inside of air ducts or in contained sterilization boxes allows the air or items to be sanitized without the risk of human exposure. Another way to sanitize an area is to turn on large UV lights while the area is not occupied by humans or animals.
– UV-C light inactivates viruses and bacteria
– LED lamps are safer than glass ones
– LED lamps last longer than glass tubes
– UV-C lamps can be used to disinfect both air and surfaces
– Humans must avoid exposure to UV light
– UV sterilization systems are set up to keep humans from being exposed
To add UV sterilization lamp systems to your offerings, contact Olympia Lighting today. We are UV germicidal lamps & fixtures supplier serving electricians and lighting wholesalers.
