As the coronavirus continues to claim lives across the globe, individuals are actively seeking ways to protect themselves. Wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and using PPE kits are essential measures, but there is an increasing need to decontaminate both surfaces and the air from viruses and other harmful substances. In high-risk environments like hospitals and airports, ensuring that equipment and surfaces are virus-free is crucial in containing the spread.
This global health crisis has driven scientists and researchers to explore new solutions and revisit existing ones with fresh innovations. One promising technology that has gained attention is ultraviolet (UV) light. While UV light has long been used for disinfection, scaling it for widespread use presents unique challenges.
UV light is naturally emitted by the sun, categorized into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVA and UVB play essential roles in nature, UVC is the most effective for disinfection. However, UVC light does not naturally reach Earth’s surface, and when artificially created, it poses risks to human health due to its high energy levels.
Despite this challenge, scientists and engineers have devised safe ways to utilize UVC light to eliminate viruses and bacteria without direct human exposure.
Hospitals have incorporated UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) in HVAC systems to eliminate airborne pathogens. This system irradiates the uppermost layers of air in rooms, keeping the space free of harmful viruses and bacteria. When integrated into ventilation and heating systems, UVGI not only destroys airborne particles but also prevents mold and bacteria from growing in ducts and pipes.
There are two primary ways UV light is used for surface disinfection:
Advancements in UV technology have led to the development of handheld UV sanitizers for personal and household use. These devices, produced through innovative manufacturing services, are designed to disinfect everyday items like keyboards, toothbrushes, car keys, and even baby bottles. To minimize health risks, companies are utilizing advanced manufacturing services to create enclosed UV sanitizing boxes that allow users to disinfect their belongings without exposure to harmful rays.
Although research on the direct impact of UV light on COVID-19 is still ongoing, its effectiveness in eliminating bacteria and viruses from air, water, and surfaces is well-documented. The potential applications of UV light extend far beyond hospitals, with possibilities for use in airports, public transport, hotels, and even home water filtration systems.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative and efficient sanitization solutions. Continued research into UV light and other spectrums of visible and invisible light could pave the way for even more effective disinfection technologies, strengthening our ability to combat future pandemics.
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