UV Light

FACTS ABOUT UV  

• Since the first UV irradiation system was used, the disinfection of medical equipment using UV has been a common and reliable practice.
• UV disinfection has been determined to be adequate for inactivating bacteria and viruses.
• The germicidal effects of UV light cause photochemical damage to DNA and RNA within microorganisms.
• “…ultraviolet radiation, properly integrated with heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, shows the most promise as a widely applicable means of air disinfection.”  Richard Riley, M.D.

Indoor Air:  High Concentration of Biological Contaminants

With tighter building construction in recent years the quality of indoor air has declined dramatically.

The air circulating in the ductwork of the average home or office can be concentrated with contaminants including molds, bacteria, yeast, dust mites, and viruses.  We fill our lungs up to 20,000 times each day.  Over time, these contaminants can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane, upper respiratory problems, asthmatic conditions, headaches and flu like symptoms.

The Sun:  Nature's Outdoor Air Purifier

For years, scientists have known that one of the most effective air purifiers is natural sunlight.  Not the light we see when we look out the window, but the invisible “C: band, ultraviolet rays that make up part of the sun's light spectrum.  The sun's UV-C rays act as a natural outdoor air purification system, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria, viruses, fungi and molds.  However, this process does not occur indoors.  Ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) replicates the natural outdoor purification system of the sun by destroying the illness and disease-causing microbes living and multiplying in indoor air.  In combination with a quality filter, it is the most effective way to reduce airborne bacteria and the health risks they represent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is UV-C light and how does it kill bacteria?

A:  UV-C is the invisible, ultraviolet, C-band radiation that makes up part of the sun's light spectrum.  UV-C light prevents growth and germination of microorganisms by altering DNA and RNA and effectively sterilizing organisms.  Once sterilized, they cannot reproduce, and with their short life cycles, they are effectively killed.

Q:  How long has UV been used in air purification?

A:  Since 1936, UV has been used to sterilize air.  It was first used to purify air in a surgical operating room.  UV has been used in schools to decrease the growth of epidemics such as measles and tuberculosis.  Other applications include:  barber shops, restaurants, incubation rooms, veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Q:  Why use a UV light product?

A:  There are two primary benefits to using UV light.  The first is to use UV light to radiate a surface to keep mold from growing in that area.  The other use is, disinfecting the air stream as it passes through the HVAC system.  A significant disinfection rate is accomplished with repeated circulation of air through the system, making use of UV light very beneficial.

Q:  What is the importance of UV light products?

A:  People spend over 90% of their time indoors.  With little or no ventilation, concentrations of microorganisms will increase indoors, potentially spreading a number of diseases.  With increased cases of deaths being caused by various bacterial diseases, controlling the growth and spread of pathogens is of major concern in indoor environments.

Q:  Is UV light harmful in any way?

A:  Direct exposure to UV light is not recommended, as it may cause damage to skin and eyes.  UV light does not pass through solid materials such as plastic, glass, or metal ductwork.   Properly installed inside the duct, the UV-light is a safe and practical product.

Q:  Is the product suitable for people with severe allergy or asthma problems?

A: Yes.  UV light can offer relief to many allergy and asthma sufferers by reducing airborne contamination.

Q:  Should the HVAC appliance fan or blower run continuously?

A:  No.  During normal operation of the heating or air conditioning, the blower will circulate the air over the UV lamp from 40-75 times a day, which is sufficient.  During moderate weather, when neither the A/C nor heat is on, it is recommended to open the windows to allow for fresh air infiltration and/or to operate the blower continuously (turn on the fan) to circulate air over the UV light.

Q:  Does UV light take the place of a filter?

A:  No.  The UV should be used in conjunction with a filter.