Ultraviolet (UV) lighting systems are often used to disinfect surfaces. They produce electromagnetic energy, which damages the DNA and RNA of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, disrupting their ability to function and/or reproduce.
The wavelength range on the UV spectrum with the highest strong germicidal characteristics is UV-C. As it has the highest energy levels, it is an effective decontamination tool for solid, liquid, and gaseous materials. However, myths surrounding UV-C technology may have dissuaded some people from adopting it for their disinfection needs. The following blog post discusses and disputes six of these myths.
UV-C lighting systems are an effective decontamination tool for solid, liquid, and gaseous materials. However, myths surrounding the technology may have dissuaded some people from adopting it for their disinfection needs. The following blog post discusses and disputes six of these myths.
Myth #1: UV Disinfection Is Not Energy Efficient
HVAC systems generally run 24/7. As a result, ensuring the air circulating through a system is 100% clean and clear can prove to be expensive. Fortunately, UV-C disinfection lighting systems serve as a cost-effective and low-maintenance disinfection method when designed and configured properly for a facility. For facilities with fixed layouts, it is important to compare the cost analysis results of the different lighting options available. For facilities with fluid layouts, it is important to consider the highest disinfection lighting level required and the fixtures needed to provide that output, integrate fixture-level control to enable the creation of independent disinfection zones, and employ motion sensors to optimize output based on occupancy.
Myth #2: UV Disinfection Harms the Environment
UV-C lighting does not harm the environment as long as it is handled properly. The potentially hazardous component of a UV lighting system is the UV emitter. Once it has reached the end of its service life, it must be disposed of at the appropriate facilities. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has a list of commercial lamp recyclers with recycling programs available.
Myth #3: UV Disinfection Is Dangerous to Humans
UV-C is a safe disinfection tool if used correctly. Suppliers of UV-C disinfection lighting systems can provide training to customers on how to use the equipment safely. Additionally, they may supply upper-air UV units, which prevent humans from being directly exposed to the radiation.
Myth #4: UV Disinfection Requires Constant Maintenance
It is inaccurate to say all UV-C disinfection lighting systems require constant maintenance. The maintenance requirements for systems vary depending on the application. For example, mobile UV units for hotels can disinfect 134,000 rooms before requiring a new emitting component, while UV emitters for standard HVAC units can operate for 9,000 hours before requiring replacement.
Myth #5: UV Disinfection Doesn’t Destroy Deadly Pathogens (e.g., COVID-19)
The antibacterial properties of sunlight were first discovered over 140 years. Today, it is commonly recognized that UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light demonstrate substantial disinfection properties. The electromagnetic energy they produce is proven to cause photochemical reactions in the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, which disrupts or destroys their reproductive abilities.
Myth #6: UV Disinfection Technology Cannot Be Used in Large Spaces That Require Constant Disinfection
Contrary to prior belief, integrating UV-C lighting in HVAC systems has proven to be an effective disinfection solution in large facilities where air quality and spread of illness are concerns. Another disinfection option for high-traffic facilities is UV robot systems. These units are designed to perform disinfection operations when people are not present.
UV-C Disinfection Lighting Solutions From Citra
UV-C lighting systems are an effective disinfection solution for small to large facilities. Compared to other disinfection methods, they are safe, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and low maintenance when designed and used properly. If you’re looking for a UV disinfection lighting system for your facility, turn to the experts at Citra.
At Citra, we have extensive knowledge of UV disinfection technology. This wisdom, combined with our decades of engineering experience, allows us to design and develop UV lighting solutions for nearly every type of industrial or commercial facility. To learn more about our UV lighting system capabilities or discuss your specifications with one of our experts, contact us today.