It is no secret that Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used as an effective disinfectant in hospitals and other commercial facilities for decades. UV light has also been fundamental to the process of sanitizing drinking water as well as improving Indoor Air Quality. UV light damages the RNA of viruses and bacteria so that it is no longer able to reproduce and infect. For this reason, UV light has been considerably more effective than using only chemical disinfectants and other methodologies.
Types of Ultraviolet Light
UV-A:
Measures between 315-400 nanometers. Nearly all of the UV radiation that reaches Earth is UV-A because the ozone absorbs most of the UV-B and UV-C. UV-A is the least intense and least harmful out of all UV light types. UV-A fixtures are commonly referred to as black lights and some common applications include tanning beds and bug zappers.
UV-B:
Measures between 290-320 nanometers. UV-B light is considered to be more harmful than UV-A and can result in skin burns and redness when exposed. However, there are many commercial use cases including phototherapy, applications in paints, coatings, and adhesives, as well as lighting sources for reptiles and other pets.
UV-C:
Measures between 100-280 nanometers. As the shortest UV band, UV-C is also the most dangerous to humans. The most common use for UV-C is the non-invasive disinfection of hospitals, laboratories, manufacturing sites, and other heavily-trafficked areas.
Far-UVC:
Far-UVC has some key differences from regular UV rays, including a shorter wavelength and more photon energy. The wavelength of UV light used to kill germs is typically 254 nanometers. Far-UVC has wavelengths that range between 207 and 222 nanometers. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, the shorter wavelength of Far-UVC “efficiently kills pathogens potentially without harm to exposed human tissues”. Researchers also stated that Far-UVC can’t break through the tear layer of the eye or the outer dead cell layer of the skin. This means it’s unable to reach and damage living cells in the body. Because of this, Far-UVC products can operate at all times to keep up with disinfection demands.
Ultraviolet Light and COVID-19
COVID-19 has greatly affected facility managers, causing them to cease operations, close partially or entirely, and to completely modify their sanitization strategies. New strategies must be implemented quickly to ensure safety and minimize losses.
The ability to safely eliminate the presence of the COVID-19 virus with UVC light at 99.9% efficiency is crucial during these times. UVC light damages the protein that coats the virus, disabling its ability to attach to a host cell. With a proven track record at killing a variety of pathogens, UVC light will be at the forefront of our response to COVID-19 and beyond.
However, facility managers must also use caution when selecting and applying UV technology in their buildings. To achieve maximum efficiency while reducing harm to facility occupants, it is suggested to consult with a credible vendor. Credible vendors, like HelixSense, will be able to help you identify the correct UV dose, light intensity, and exposure time.
The HelixSense suite of UVC Decontamination Products:
Walk-in Gate/Tunnel: Protect the occupants of your facility with a HelixSense Far-UVC Walk-in Gate/Tunnel to ensure everyone is safely disinfected before entering the premises.
Handheld Sanitizer: Rapidly sanitize workstations, equipment, offices, packages, and other frequently contacted areas with a HelixSense Handheld UVC Sanitizer.
Disinfection Box: Small personal items, like phones, headphones, keyboards, etc., harbor over 20,000 different types of bacteria. Safely eliminate them all with a HelixSense UVC Disinfection Box.
Conveyor Track: Rapidly sanitize everyday use items in large volumes immediately as individuals enter your facility with the HelixSense UVC Conveyor Track.
Foot Mat: The HelixSense Foot Mat is a hands-free and chemical-free disinfection solution that kills up to 99% of exposed organisms on the tops and soles of shoes in just 5 seconds.
Space Disinfection Unit: Instantly eradicate germs in large spaces, such as meeting rooms, bathrooms, or lobbies, with The HelixSense High Power UVC Space Disinfection Unit.
HVAC Systems: Easily equip all HVAC units with UV lights to sterilize indoor air and improve ventilation within buildings.
