Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 11th April 2024 Issue no. 1109
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Debunking the myths about UV technology
UV-C air purifiers have been used for years to eliminate airborne pathogens in healthcare settings. Due to the pandemic, they are also being used to protect health in schools, offices and all types of commercial facilities. These standalone units can be easily moved from one room to another, allowing them to protect occupant health wherever they are needed.
As versatile as these systems are, some building owners, facilities managers and cleaning professionals are new to this technology. Further, many have heard unsubstantiated myths about UV-C air purifiers.
To clarify and debunk these myths, we turned to Jenna Riffer, executive vice president for Incharged, manufacturer of LUX UV-C Air Purifiers.
UV-C systems are ‘electric’ disinfectants…
UV-C systems are not disinfectants. They are germicides. They destroy harmful microorganisms.
All UV-C systems are alike…
Incorrect. To be effective, they must produce 254-nanometer of light.
No one knows how UV-C systems work…
Studies indicate that UV-C light penetrates pathogen cells, causing them to rupture or lose their ability to reproduce.
Most diseases are spread by touching contaminated surfaces…
True of some, but the Coronavirus, tuberculosis, the flu and other viruses are primarily transmitted via the air.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) does not approve of UV-C…
Just the opposite. The CDC has recommended using these systems in healthcare settings for years.
UV-C air purifiers are the same as traditional air purifiers...
Traditional air purifiers can capture some airborne contaminants. However, UV-C air purifiers take air purification to the next level, inactivating airborne pathogens as pointed out in this video: www.youtube.com
To purify the air, all we need is HEPA filters…
HEPA filters capture some pathogens, as this factsheet points out. However, these filters can become contaminated, negatively impacting their effectiveness. UV-C works with advanced HEPA filters to capture and inactivate pathogens on filters and incoming air.
"The final myth regards the safety of UV-C air filtration systems," adds Jenna Riffer. "Along with being proven effective, UV-C technology is also proven perfectly safe."
UV-C technology specialist LuxDisinfect markets a complete suite of disinfection tools, products and services to combat disease transmission. Its products are designed to eliminate pathogens on surfaces and in the air, helping to keep building users healthy.
2nd September 2021