What is the effectiveness of UV sterilization for air disinfection? How efficient is an indoor UV sterilization light or device? Is it effective against germs and viruses? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
These are the questions we hear when it comes to air disinfection, especially when we think about office buildings, schools, or kindergartens. With more and more UV sterilization products coming onto the market, you may wonder if they are worth trying. And some of them are!
Since the mid-twentieth century, UV radiation has been utilized for sterilization and disinfection. With technical developments, particularly in UV bulbs, their extended lifetime (thousands of hours) and reduced size have broadened the range of applications for UV bactericidal lamps. It is now used to sterilize water, air, fruits and vegetables, medical tools, tablets, toys, and a variety of surfaces.
However, it is very important to know that not all types of UV are effective when it comes to sterilization. Technically, ultraviolet (UV) means “beyond violet” and refers to a range of electromagnetic waves with a shorter wavelength (higher frequency and energy) than visible violet light. The UV range is divided into three types, with different wavelengths and energies: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. For UV sterilization, only the UV-C range (100-280nm) has enough energy to effectively kill microorganisms. When buying a UV sterilization product, make sure its wavelength falls within the UV-C range.
UV sterilization devices for indoor spaces have started to gain popularity in recent years, not just because of the pandemic. They are an efficient way to quickly clean the air in large spaces, and are frequently used for office buildings, public institutions, schools, kindergartens, hotels, restaurants, or airports. Bacteria, viruses, and mold move on air currents from one space to another. We can’t see them, but they are around and can have a significant impact on our health. They can be responsible for transmitting a cold, a virus, or the flu among colleagues at work or school. Here, we are not just limited to Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Irritants can also trigger or exacerbate allergies and asthma. Some microorganisms could also be disastrous for people with compromised immune systems.
From afar, the most efficient use of germicidal ultraviolet light is to destroy virus particles in the air. The main advantage of this technology is its ability to efficiently destroy pathogens (from the flu virus, to measles and tuberculosis, to coronaviruses), without harming exposed human tissue. Research has shown that continuous exposure to ultraviolet light in public places results in a viral inactivation of approximately 95% in about 8 minutes of exposure. Thus, staying within current regulated dose limits, exposure to an appropriate dose of UV-C radiation ensures a major reduction in the ambient level of airborne viruses in public places.
Last but not least, we now know that aerosol particles represent a main route of transmission of the SARS CoV 2 virus. Both the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed research findings and recently updated their guidelines. This is because the virus can literally float in the air and be inhaled. Good ventilation and “clean air” are therefore essential, as are ways of disinfecting the air.
Air disinfection is doubly important, considering the first steps that need to be taken to reopen and maintain activity in offices, schools, shops, restaurants, sports halls, and organizing indoor events. Opening windows to reduce pathogens helps by changing and refreshing the air. This habit can eliminate about 63% of pathogens in a room in an hour. Therefore, such ventilation is far from being an efficient disinfection solution. This would require the removal of over 90% of pathogens, which is not always possible, especially inside office buildings, schools, and kindergartens. The solution lies in UV-C devices, which play a major role in the proper functioning of the institutions mentioned above, effectively preventing the transmission of viruses.
However, it is important to know that UV bactericidal lamps for indoor use can have health side effects. That is why it is crucial that UV lamps for sterilizing rooms are chosen, installed, and operated properly. Firstly, these devices should not be purchased from discount websites but only from reputable manufacturers.
We assure you that all UV devices produced by Wolf-e Robotics are manufactured to the highest quality standards. Furthermore, they also come with complete operating documentation, being safe and recommended for use in public spaces, with compliance with safety regulations.
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We are Wolf-e Robotics, and every day we work to support our mission of disinfecting the air and surfaces in the places where we work, learn, and spend our time. Through disinfection with intelligent UVC light equipment and mobile robots, we provide the most efficient and environmentally friendly method of inactivating microorganisms on surfaces and in the air. With applicability in the medical, commercial, transportation, education, and corporate sectors.
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