Combating COVID-19 with UV Light
Ultraviolet light has been around for years and is widely used for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. However, the major concern with UV light has always been the inherent danger it poses to humans, particularly to the skin and eyes. While not a new technology, UV light has shot to the top of the list for potential COVID-19 solutions, particularly when it comes to air circulation and filtration.
Studies have shown that traditional cleaning is often insufficient with reports of more than 50% of surfaces not being disinfected properly after terminal cleaning. This fact has forced the healthcare industry to take this issue seriously, researching and implementing new solutions as part of their infection prevention protocols. As a result, there has been a resurgence of UV light solutions, as well as other enhanced disinfection products, over the past several years.
Germ Impact
Consider how infections in the space you manage could impact your business.
Health risk to patients and visitors
Lost revenue and fines
Damage to your reputation
Lost productivity from employee absence
Trust in your brand
Adding disinfecting with UV lighting to your best practices helps you keep your space healthy.
Companies such as Portland-based Lights There are working on a combined LED and UV light technology that can kill bacteria and viruses found in the air. This technology, which could easily be installed in office buildings, waiting rooms, nursing homes and other public spaces, could be a game-changer in the way we combat the Coronavirus.
In addition to its potential use in combating airborne-transmitted illness, UV technology is being explored as a means of disinfecting more tangible objects such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Orlando-based Violet Defense is combining UV light with violet blue light to create multipurpose disinfectant solutions for everyday use. In addition to its use in combating COVID-19, this UV technology has been proven to kill 99% of all viruses and bacteria, including E. coli, MRSA, and salmonella, making it a revolutionary tool in combating a wide range of illnesses.
While the safety of UV light for human exposure is still a major concern, Dr. David Brenner and other scientists from Columbia University’s Center of Radiological Research have discovered a new wavelength of UV light called Far-UV that is believed to be safe for human exposure. The combination of this new Far-UV light with the currently-tested UV light air filtration and disinfectant technologies could provide a much-needed solution to the spread of infectious illnesses.
Utilizing exclusive patents and technology from Violet Defense™, PURO’s (a product we represent) first offering to the market is a breakthrough UV disinfection solution, which includes the first known high intensity full spectrum UV fixture that can be installed in a ceiling, suspended, or wall mounted. These fixtures kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and can significantly reduce the growth of fungi such as yeasts and molds, when used at the recommended spacing and run times. This technology gives users the ability to disinfect a room of any size, on demand. It can be used on-demand, scheduled to run overnight, or integrated into your building automation system for reporting and ease of integration in your day-to-day operations. This proprietary UV disinfection technology is now accessible and easy to use for the broader commercial market in many applications.
Contact us for more information on UV light solutions, or visit Columbia University’s news page to learn about Dr. Brenner’s research involving the new Far-UV light.
Citations:
Roy F. Chemaly, S. S. (2014). The role of the healthcare environment in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms: update on current best practices for containment. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 79-90.
Cantor, Carla. “Could a New Ultraviolet Technology Fight the Spread of Coronavirus?” Columbia University, 21 Apr. 2020.
Kent, Kandra. “Pair of local companies aim to create UV light system that kills coronavirus.” KPTV-KPDX Broadcasting Corporation, 28 Apr. 2020.
PURO UV Disinfection Lighting, Protecting Health and Promoting Wellness Through Light, Puro Lighting is Fighting Viruses with UV Light Disinfection, and The Truth About Germ-killing Lights.