UV (ultraviolet) is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is naturally emitted by the sun. UVA, UVB, UVC- all of these are types of ultraviolet light rays that have different wavelengths.
Electromagnetic radiation is distributed in waves or particles of various wavelengths and frequencies at all times. The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum encompasses a wide variety of wavelengths, and it is divided into several regions to decrease wavelength and increase energy and frequency.
We are still discovering new ways to utilize the power of UV to date. UVC is a well-known disinfectant that has been used for decades, including in the early 1930s during the previous pandemic. It sterilizes the air, water, and sterilizable surfaces, especially in the medical field.
However, since COVID19 started more than a year ago, UVC is now being used in a variety of industries and establishments, including schools, offices, restaurants, and retail stores, among others. This has brought about increased adoption of this powerful disinfection source, especially in top industries.
This led us to the main purpose of this article – the five most important things you must know about the power of UVC lighting and how it can help to fight COVID-19.
1. It comes naturally from the sun and artificially from mercury lamps.
UV-C, also known as germicidal UV, is a form of ultraviolet light that destroys pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. All forms of UVC radiation are artificial since the sun's UVC doesn't get through the earth's atmosphere, and the most common source of man-made UVC is mercury-vapor lamps. The emission line of low-pressure mercury vapor is high at 254 nm, within the range of wavelengths with a strong disinfection effect. Therefore, it can disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, preventing pathogens or microorganisms from replicating. By disrupting the DNA or RNA structure at the cellular level, UV-C will destroy 99 percent of viruses, bacteria, mold, fungus, and yeast. This is why it is used to sterilize, clean, and kill a number of viruses and bacteria.
Read: What is UV Light and can it kill COVID-19?
2. It's been used in surgical rooms for many years.
This excellent blue light source has been used to disinfect operating rooms since 1936. Dr. J. Deryl Hart successfully used direct UV light to disinfect the air at North Carolina's Duke University Hospital. This ground-breaking technique helped to maintain the hospital operating rooms, keeping them free of pathogens that might contaminate the air. During this breakthrough, Dr. Hart pioneered the use of ultraviolet radiation to monitor airborne infections while ensuring the necessary safety measures and wearing protective gears.
Since then, the technology has experienced extensive adoption and improvement. By the late 1930s and early 1940s, records have shown a considerable reduction in the rate of infections and deaths associated with them[1].
Read: Where did UV lights come from?
3. UV-C is expanding to new industries - even sports!
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, we have constantly been searching for a lasting solution that will guarantee the safety of everyone. UV-C lighting is one of the early-discovered solutions, providing a ray of hope for returning to normalcy in the world.
Asides from the health industry, every other sector has adapted this disinfection technology - including hikers! UV-C lighting has become extremely popular, not just for its sake but to help our quest to return to our normal lives. For instance, the recent opening of businesses like restaurants, schools, retail, offices, sports facilities, and the NY subway all had to do with UV-C lighting. Read: 5 iconic businesses that are reopening safely with UV Lighting solutions
Top restaurants, such as Seattle's Marlaina's Mediterranean Kitchen, Ocean City's Manco & Manco Pizza, and San Francisco's Ittoryu Gozu Japanese Cuisine, have successfully implemented UV-C lighting. Likewise, football stadium's locker rooms, malls, and even schools have all seen the introduction of UV-C lighting technology. With every passing day, UV-C lighting gives us a guarantee of safety while we gradually get back to our daily routines. Read: Thanks to UV Disinfection, these 5 restaurants are reopening safer and cleaner
For hikers, UV-C lighting plays an important role in the mobile filtration systems and hand-held purifiers they rely on to make the backcountry water pure, safe, and drinkable. Read: The power of Upper-Air Germicidal Ultraviolet disinfection across different industries
4. Health Canada advises against the use of UV lighting devices for use at home.
In November 2020, Health Canada released a public notice advising consumers not to buy or use UVC lights or wands for home use. This is because some of these devices do not work as advertised and have not been approved for COVID-19 protection. Such devices may end up causing even more problems when used. This is why it is best always to seek the help of professionals regarding health matters, especially to keep you and your loved ones safe[2].
5. Major Health Institutions recommend it.
The CDC, NIOSH, DHHS, and ACGIH all recommend a layered approach to reduce exposures to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This approach includes upper-air ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to reduce the spread of disease and lower the risk of exposure. In addition to UVC improvements, the layered approach includes physical distancing, wearing face masks, hand hygiene, and vaccination.
"Consider using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as a supplemental treatment to inactivate SARS-CoV-2…Upper-room UVGI systems can be used to provide air cleaning within occupied spaces…"
CLean AIR 1 meets all UV safety regulations issued by recognized health institutions.
By inactivating infectious airborne bacteria, CLean Air 1 safely purifies upper room air in occupied rooms, reducing the chance of cross-infection. Since safety is the top priority, Upper-Air Room Disinfection is the perfect fit to keep a space clean and sanitized constantly.
However, human beings should not be exposed directly to UV-C radiation. This is why implementation at a safe height ensures safe and maximum results, with continuous disinfection of the covered area[3]. Upper-Air disinfection is the way to go!
Are you interested in CLean AIR 1? To learn more about UV-C germicidal ultraviolet technology click here.
Media contact: luciag@clean-uvsolutions.com
[1] “Operating Rooms.” MEDSpace, medspace.mc.duke.edu/concern/images/j96020692?locale=en#?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0&xywh=-1616%2C1636%2C4490%2C1626.
[2] Delaire, Megan. “5 Things to Know about UV Light Technology and COVID-19.” Toronto.com, 20 Jan. 2021, www.toronto.com/news-story/10312593-5-things-to-know-about-uv-light-technology-and-covid-19/.
[3] Sreedhar, Nitin. “Covid-19: Is UV Light Safe as a Disinfectant?” Mint, 22 July 2020, www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/features/covid-19-is-uv-light-safe-as-a-disinfectant-11595341697147.html.