One of a viruses’ main enemies—UVC light—is effective and chemical-free, but misinformation is delaying its adoption in the fight against germs.
Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), experts agree that vaccines, masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing are the most effective tools to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. But as mask mandates and lockdown restrictions lift, contagious pathogens will transcend COVID-19 and people will still be susceptible to widespread illness.
So, what is the biggest misconception about the fight against COVID-19? That the fight against germs and harmful bacteria ends when the pandemic does.
An effective way to keep people healthy in public places all of the time, pandemic or not, is by preventing them from coming in contact with a germ left behind by someone else in the first place. Unfortunately, regular cleaning alone can’t do that since an area is only as clean as the last person who touched it. However, by using something as powerful as Ultraviolet-C (UVC) light to eradicate germs in the air and on surfaces, all of your bases are covered.
Well then, why isn’t UVC more prevalent?
While adopted by some product designers and manufacturers, UVC light has not always been used appropriately. For example, the UVC wands you see for sale? Probably not very effective. They may use UVC technology, but it’s designed or applied in a way that won’t kill many pathogens, especially in the air.
When used correctly, UVC light is a powerful tool. In fact, hospitals and cleanrooms have used it for years, but the pandemic has pushed it into the forefront as a technology that can be adapted for use in a variety of settings, including hotels, restaurants, schools, offices, stores, and even group housing.
There are companies that have met this call for more mainstream disinfection solutions by designing and offering attractive and cost-competitive products that use UVC light to disinfect the air and surfaces.
Why is UVC disinfection misunderstood?
Ultraviolet or UV light falls in the electromagnetic spectrum range between visible light and X-rays. Moreover, UV light is categorized into three groups based on its wavelength. First is Ultraviolet-A (UVA), then Ultraviolet-B (UVB), and the most effective light to kill germs is classified Ultraviolet-C (UVC).
Since people often confuse UVC with other UV light technology, they assume that both functions similarly. This misinformation spreads when product manufacturers try to sell cheap solutions that prey on people’s fear of germs. The wands mentioned before? Yeah, we’re looking at those when we think about mixed messages.
When used correctly, UVC light can help eliminate pathogens proactively
Using this tool, we can avoid future pandemic lockdowns and reduce the number of cases of childhood flu, common cold, MRSA, and even noroviruses that can’t be eradicated by simple hand sanitizers. While the general effectiveness of UVC light varies depending on the intensity and length of exposure, it is known to eliminate up to 99.9 percent of germs and other microorganisms. UVC light can be useful in virtually all industries, disinfecting places like commercial spaces, corporate offices, hospitals and clinics, educational institutions, and hotels.
Okay, I’m sold, but is UVC disinfection safe?
UVC light technology is a non-chemical method of disinfection. Not to mention that it is easy to use and affordable. With safety precautions in place, UVC can effectively and safely be used in both occupied and unoccupied spaces as a disinfecting agent.
U.S.-based Safeology™ offers UVC products powered by the latest in UVC science to ensure outstanding disinfection performance while emphasizing safety and attractive design. Mobile Air Purifiers and Upper Room Fixtures use UVC to eradicate airborne pathogens and are safe to use when people are present, too. UVC Towers focus UVC light on surfaces but can only be used in unoccupied spaces.
You can find UVC light in HVAC systems and other interior design situations that can help keep environments much safer. However, especially for older buildings or rental properties that can’t easily be updated or retrofitted, complete overhauls may not be an option. This is where products like mobile air purifiers come into play. Their products serve as a solution to improve airflow and quality.
Safeology Mobile Air Purifiers offer a powerful combination of high-grade carbon and HEPA filtration, the most effective UVC dosage, and high airflow capacity to ensure a Log 3 (99.9%) reduction of viruses and airborne particles. The UVC Mobile Air Purifiers’ filters remove dust, mold, bacteria, and pollen from the air, and the powerful fans deliver 6 to 10 Air Changes per Hour (ACH) to always ensure clean safe air.
But I have a huge building, how can I turn 50 of these on and off every day?
The beauty of working with a company that is that your investment comes with innovative product management and control software. Safeology’s parent company, Electric Mirror, was one of the first to apply IoT solutions to smart mirrors. The company’s proven IoT integration affords you the ease of managing multiple UVC products from a single location, virtually anywhere.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It will be so freeing to sit and chat with people in public places again. The only real way back to that kind of freedom is to understand how germs spread and apply less intrusive ways like UVC to combat them before they spread out of control.
