How UVC Light Kills the Coronavirus?

Since the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) caused the closure of offices, shops, restaurants, and hotels around the world, there has been a strong interest in the technology that has been used for decades to kill bacteria and inactivate viruses: ultraviolet light.

Ultraviolet rays refer to short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation energy, which has been proven to kill bacteria and inactivate viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). It is now used to inactivate the coronavirus and allow closed spaces to be safely reopened.

The ultraviolet light used in the sterilization lamps is UVC. UVC is one of the three types of rays produced by the sun (visible light, ultraviolet light and infrared light), but it is blocked by the earth’s ozone and cannot reach our body. The wavelength of UVC is between 200 and 280 nm, and only UV lamps of this wavelength have been proven to inactivate coronaviruses. Such as uvc 265,275nm, and uvc 222nm which is safe for human disinfection.

UVC germicidal lamps began to be used in hospitals, subways, restaurants and almost anywhere, hoping to find an effective way to clean their spaces and return employees to work.

In May, the New York City Transit Authority announced its plan to deploy 150 UVC devices in the New York City transit system to reduce the level of the virus on the subway and reduce the risk of anyone contracting COVID-19.

The famous New York restaurant Magnolia Bakery is also adopting this technology, replacing recessed lighting with far ultraviolet (a low-dose ultraviolet wavelength that can kill viruses and bacteria without causing harm to humans) and install it for the place. Clean the entrance". Customers must go through before entering the company.

However, using UVC lamps to disinfect the air in the space is more effective in curbing the spread of coronavirus. As we all know, the coronavirus spreads from person to person mainly through airborne respiratory droplets. The surface in the clean space is not sufficient to ensure proper disinfection of the area. The air also needs to be disinfected.

The working principle of the UVC air filter device is to suck in air through a fan, disinfect the air with a hidden and invisible UVC lamp (so it will not cause harm to the occupants in the room), and then push out the clean air again. These air filtration devices work best when combined with traditional cleaning methods (such as soap, water and antibacterial products) and UVC sanitary carts that disinfect surfaces.

The UVC equipment that best suits your space will vary depending on the size and type of space. For large open offices with cubicles, UVC air sanitation carts and UVC surface disinfection carts will be the best choices.

In spaces where there are UVC germicidal lamps, anyone should be provided with correct instructions on the dangers of UV rays. If used improperly, UVC lamps can damage the skin and eyes. However, if proper precautions are taken, it will be very effective for disinfection, and it will certainly become a widely used technique for the safe use of space.