As we are seeing around the world, new variations are making the adoption of hygienic practices and disinfection technology crucial as a way of life. As we face unprecedented global health challenges, we must use available technologies to combat the spread of pathogens.
In 2022, as economies reopen cautiously and desperately seek a recovery, the need to defend against the spread of infection takes on a new level of importance.
Efficient and continuous inactivation of pathogens around people
Since airborne diseases are more difficult to control than surface-transmitted diseases, it can be difficult to control the spread of invisible contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. Constant manual cleaning has its limits: its effects are only temporary, only on surfaces, and are often impossible when people are already present in a place. We need a solution that can effectively and continuously inactivate pathogens that are airborne around people. It is therefore crucial to protect and configure indoor premises with the safety and efficiency of far 222nm UVC light. This specific UV wavelength can inactivate airborne and surface contaminants like bacteria and viruses, and provide a layer of defense in indoor spaces around people.
Not all UVC lights are created equal
The discovery and technical application of distant 222nm UVC light appears to be a disinfection game changer compared to traditional UVC light to disinfect spaces. Here the wavelength of UVC light may be the decisive point of the difference. When we use longer wavelength (254nm) UVC light for disinfection, it exposes humans to health risks by potentially entering our eyes and skin, making it unsafe. Therefore, it cannot be used when people are present. We need a proven far UVC technology designed to produce 222nm far UVC light, containing an optical filter to prevent the emission of longer and harmful UVC wavelengths, which can also meet safety guidelines established. Technology that meets these requirements can safely inactivate pathogens around people effectively and continuously.
Numerous accredited research studies around the world have validated the results of far UVC light (222nm). A study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center titled Distant UVC light (222nm) safely and effectively inactivates airborne human coronaviruses in June 2020, found that 99.9% of aerosolized seasonal coronaviruses were inactivated when exposed to distant 222nm UVC light for 25 minutes. Even with very low continuous exposure (1.7 and 1.2 mJ / cm2) in far UVC light at the current regulatory limit of (~ 3 mJ / cm2/ hour), the researchers noted a significant drop in airborne and surface pathogens in the tested area.
How? ‘Or’ What does 222nm UVC far light inactivate viruses?
Sunlight includes invisible UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC has the shortest wavelengths, and the ozone layer absorbs most UVC rays before they reach Earth. UVC light inactivates pathogens like coronaviruses by damaging their RNA, which neutralizes them, leaving them unable to reproduce or infect us. This revolutionary technology is available in commercial disinfection products, such as ceiling mounted devices designed for high ceiling applications. What is essential, however, is that the technology uses an optical filter to prevent the emission of longer and harmful UVC wavelengths (> 230nm), so that it can be used efficiently and continuously around people.
A user-friendly, efficient and viable disinfection tool for interior spaces
The lamps that emit 222nm filtered distant UVC light are intelligently designed, rapidly deployable, connected with wireless Bluetooth technology, and are reconfigurable and programmable to be adjusted according to specific use cases. They can operate over a wide range of ambient temperatures, are easy to install and maintain, and can be controlled automatically via an app. They are also endowed with an increased lifespan, because frequent and instantaneous switching on or off at full power does not hamper their operation.
These features allow businesses to effectively inactivate airborne and surface pathogens. However, while considering UVC light technology for disinfection purposes, choose a technology that prioritizes consumer safety by ensuring that it complies with third-party testing facilities for electrical safety, the guidelines on radio equipment and, most importantly, photobiological safety to ensure that the level of UV exposure is within current and established safety guidelines.
As we fight the spread of variants and businesses in turn prepare to reopen and welcome customers again, we need to add a layer of pathogen defense. Ensuring that air and surface contamination levels are low and under control is essential to maintaining the health and quality of our environment while boosting the economy in all industries. Let’s use this revolutionary 222nm far UVC technology to safely, efficiently and continuously inactivate harmful pathogens.
Rishubh Nayar, Director – Christie Digital Systems (India), Bangalore
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