UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/uv-light-in-hvac-effectiveness/

Direct exposure to UVC lights can be hazardous to skin and eyes, although with the right type of germicidal lamps and proper installation, there is proven evidence of high germicidal UV light in HVAC effectiveness.

How Do UV Lights in HVAC Systems Work?

UVC lights are designed to emit particular wavelengths in the range of 254 nanometer (nm), which is effective at penetrating the DNA of microorganisms. The UV radiation is absorbed by the cells’ DNA which renders them unable to produce the needed proteins to survive or replicate. UV light does not immediately kill the germs, although it shortens their life span, and nullifies their ability to replicate and cause harm.

UVC light can penetrate the cells of viruses, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, and various germs when they pass through a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system. Strategically installing germicidal UVC lamps in HVAC units helps to purify the air and sterilize HVAC equipment for longer, more efficient use. UV light in HVAC effectiveness is proven to improve indoor air quality for a healthier indoor environment.

UV Light in HVAC Effectiveness

There are several studies that evaluate UV light in HVAC effectiveness with promising results for UV light in HVAC systems in hospitals, offices, and schools. According to a study conducted by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE, and Penn State University, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) showed successful results for reducing the amount of fungi in air handling units and cited improvements in children with mold induced asthma when installed in schools.

UV light has been used in hospitals and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, for controlling the spread of tuberculosis in hospitals and healthcare facilities. UVC radiation is known to kill harmful microorganisms even antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” like MRSA, SARS and is even proven to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the novel COVID-19.

How are UV Lights Installed in HVAC Systems?

Treating the volume of air in your home or office is immense, and only possible when installed properly in air handling units or HVAC systems since humans cannot be exposed to UVC light. Since the HVAC system draws air into the evaporator unit, forcing it out through air vents and registers throughout the home, UV light installed in the evaporator unit sterilizes the air as it circulates.

Only a professional HVAC technician should install UV lights in HVAC systems for germicidal effectiveness. The lights must be installed in the right area with the right angle of exposure to sterilize the air as it passes through. The HVAC technician will clean the air handler system thoroughly prior to installing UV lights and should inspect all ductwork for leaks. With the right installation by a certified technician, UV lights in HVAC effectiveness will be at maximum levels to prevent airborne infection.

High Performance Germicidal UV Lights for HVAC Effectiveness

LightSources is recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of high quality, high performance UV germicidal lights found in many applications. UVC lamps by LightSources provide germicidal solutions to water, surface and air sterilization systems with proven UVC effectiveness. We offer a wide selection of UVC lamps in various sizes, types, and styles as well as customized engineering solutions to meet customer specifications.

Our lighting specialists possess deep technical knowledge of UVC radiation and lamp design to deliver cutting edge germicidal solutions. We conduct ongoing research and development for continual improvement and offer proprietary technology that improves lamp life and performance. LightSources is an ISO9001:2015 registered supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including proven UVC germicidal lamps for use in a variety of industries and applications.

222 nm UV Light: Far UVC Effectiveness and Safety

Ultraviolet light in the UVC range is proven to have germicidal properties, with 222 nm UV light showing high efficacy and safety. Standard UVC germicidal lamps emit wavelengths at 254 nm, proven to have high germicidal effectiveness by breaking the DNA bonds inside the nucleus of harmful microbes and pathogens. 254 nm UV lamps, however, are not safe to use when humans are present and pose risks to damaging skin and eyes.

222 UV lamps are showing the same germicidal properties and are much safer than 254 nm lamps due to the way 222 nm wavelengths are absorbed by the protein layer of cells. 222 nm UV light is also known as Far UVC and is considered safe to use around humans without risk of human exposure to skin or eyes.

222 nm UV Light Effectiveness

Both 222 nm and 254 nm UV lamps emit UVC wavelengths that inactivate viruses and bacteria. 222 nm UV light penetrates the microbe’s cell nucleus and breaks the DNA bond to prevent replication, thus rendering the cell harmless, the same as 254 nm UV lamps. 222 nm UV lamps go even further than inactivating the cell, however, and actually destroy pathogens.

When standard UVC lamps inactivate pathogens, there is a possibility that they could be reconstituted through a process called photoreactivation. This is not possible with 222 nm UV light which is known to deactivate and destroy most harmful human pathogens, including bacterium, viruses, fungus, mold, protozoa, and prions. Far UVC light has been the focus of many studies for over a decade, with many research studies showing high efficacy against a wide range of known harmful pathogens, including alpha and beta coronaviruses, influenza (H1N1), and adenovirus.

222 nm, Far UVC light is shown to safely and effectively inactivate human airborne coronaviruses, with research showing effectiveness at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID 19. The study showed that even low doses of far UVC light inactivated 99.9% of aerosolized coronavirus. Much research has been conducted on the effectiveness of standard germicidal lamps for SARS-CoV-2, showing that UV light does kill COVID in air and on surfaces.

Far UVC lamps designed to emit 222 nm are also called Excimer lamps and are in use today in many applications, providing UVC germicidal protection with significantly safer operation.

222 nm UV Lamps: Excimer Lamp Effectiveness

Excimer lamps that emit 222 nm UV light are produced by creating a high-voltage discharge in a glass tube lamp with the proper mixture of gases to create 222 nm when energized. The intensity of the output can vary depending on the input power, and an optical filter can be included to ensure that harmful wavelengths above 230 nm are removed. 222 nm Excimer lamps are showing high effectiveness at killing viruses on surfaces, in the air, and safely inactivating airborne human coronaviruses.

Safety of 222 nm Far UVC Light

222 nm Far UVC light is highly effective at destroying harmful pathogens and is opening the door for many uses beyond traditional germicidal lamps due to the ability to operate safely in the presence of humans. 254 nm light used in standard germicidal lamps is absorbed by DNA to kill harmful cells but is not easily absorbed by proteins, which means it can penetrate deeper into human skin and damage the DNA of actively dividing skin cells which can lead to cancer.

222 nm UV light, however, is also highly absorbed by DNA but is also absorbed by proteins, which are contained in the outer membrane shell of all viruses and bacteria. This increases the effectiveness of 222 nm light against some microbes while also making it much safer for use around humans. Since 222 nm light is absorbed by proteins, it will not fully penetrate into the thick protein-rich layer of human cells.

The outer layer of human skin consists of dead skin cells with no active cells and provides an armored layer against 222 nm light. A similar layer of cells protects the eyes. Since 222 nm UV light never reaches the DNA of actively dividing cells, it is safer for use and human exposure.

Does UV Light Kill Candida Auris?

Candida Auris is a formidable fungal pathogen that poses a serious threat to healthcare facilities worldwide. As a resilient organism capable of causing severe infections, it is crucial to explore effective methods of eradicating it from surfaces.

Surface Sterilization: Harnessing the Power of UV Light to Combat Candida Auris

In recent years, the use of UV light has gained attention as a potential solution for combating this elusive fungus. One question that many healthcare professionals want to know is, does UV light kill Candida Auris? There are several scientific studies and evidence that explore Candida auris and the application of germicidal UV lamps for surface sterilization.

Understanding Candida Auris and its Spread

It is essential to understand the nature of Candida Auris and its mode of transmission to understand the most effective application of UV light to kill this harmful pathogen. Candida Auris primarily spreads through contaminated surfaces in healthcare settings. It can survive for extended periods on various surfaces, including medical equipment, furniture, and hospital room fixtures.

Candida auris is recognized as an emerging fungus that poses a significant global health risk to people worldwide. There are three primary reasons why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, is concerned about C. auris:

• It is frequently multidrug-resistant, which indicates that it is resistant to numerous antifungal medicines, which are often used to treat infections caused by Candida. There are some strains that show resistance to all three kinds of antifungals that are now accessible.

• It is challenging to identify using ordinary laboratory methods, and incorrect identification may occur in laboratories that do not have specific technology. A misunderstanding of this circumstance could result in incorrect management.

• Candida Auris has been responsible for outbreaks throughout many medical facilities. Because of this, it is essential to conduct a speedy diagnosis of C. auris in a patient who is currently being treated in a healthcare facility so that these facilities may take additional safety measures to prevent the infection from spreading.

The Power of UV Germicidal Lamps

Germicidal UV lamps have been widely used for disinfection purposes due to their ability to inactivate a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. UV-C light, with a wavelength range of 200-280 nanometers, is particularly effective in destroying the DNA and RNA of these pathogens, rendering them unable to replicate.

Scientific Evidence on UV Light and Candida Auris

Several studies have investigated the efficacy of UV light in eradicating Candida Auris. One notable study published by the National Institute of Health concludes that C Auris can effectively be killed with UV light surface sterilization, with the density of the C Auris, and the distance and time of UVC exposure strongly influencing the efficacy of UVC treatment to kill this harmful fungal pathogen. The researchers concluded that UV light can be a valuable tool in preventing the transmission of Candida Auris in healthcare environments.

Application of UV Light for Surface Sterilization

UV light can be applied for surface sterilization in various healthcare settings, including hospital rooms, operating theaters, and medical equipment. UV Germicidal lamps can be strategically installed to target high-touch surfaces, such as bed rails, door handles, and tables. By implementing regular UV disinfection cycles, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the presence of Candida Auris and other pathogens.

In the battle against Candida Auris, surface sterilization plays a vital role in preventing its transmission within healthcare settings. UV light, particularly UV-C irradiation from germicidal UV lamps, has demonstrated effectiveness in eradicating Candida Auris on surfaces. By harnessing the power of UVC light for surface sterilization, healthcare facilities can enhance their infection control measures and protect patients from this resilient fungal pathogen.

Where are UV Light Bulbs Used?

Ultraviolet (UV) light bulbs are used in many industries and applications, providing such a broad range of solutions to so many environments it is difficult to list them all. UV light is not visible to the human eye, scientists and lighting engineers replicate the shortwave electromagnetic radiation when manufacturing UV lamps. Custom phosphor blends and lamp design and engineering provide visibility of the UV radiation, which is typically not detectable by the human eye.

UV light, when emitted by the sun, is typically categorized into three areas, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the shortest wavelength and is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, never reaching the surface of the earth. UVC light is also known to possess highly effective germicidal properties to sterilize surfaces, water, and the air.  UVA and UVB lamps are also used for a wide range of purposes, with ultraviolet light bulbs providing a healthier and safer environment for the human race in many ways.

Common UV Light Bulb Applications

Some of the most common applications where UV lamps are utilized include:

UV curing - ultraviolet light is known to quickly cure certain coatings, glazes, adhesives, lacquers, and varnishes in an instant, providing a durable and smooth surface. This speeds up industrial processes in many industries and creates higher-quality products with quick curing, less evaporation, and less contamination.

UV germicidal - ultraviolet light emitted in the short wave range of UVC is known to provide very effective germicidal properties and can eliminate viruses, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms in a matter of seconds. UVC germicidal lamps are used in air purification systems, water, and surface sterilization systems, and many environments such as schools, laboratories, hospitals, and many commercial and residential environments. Germicidal UVC lamps are known to eliminate superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics and are also effective against beta coronaviruses, including MERS, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. 

Phototherapy - UV lamps bring healing to patients suffering from many conditions, offering hope and effective treatment to people suffering from many skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. UV light bulbs also provide healing to people with mood disorders and depression and are used to treat babies born with neonatal jaundice. 

Tanning - UV light tubes used for tanning are one of the most commonly recognized UV lamps in service. UV tanning lamps are quite different from phototherapy and germicidal lamps, and not all UV lamps are created equal.

It is important to source your UV lamps from a reputable UV lamp manufacturer.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions used in a broad range of applications worldwide. We employ the leading high-tech lighting and UV lamp engineers, combined with a state-of-the-art glass factory and a commitment to delivering innovative, energy-efficient, and cost-saving UV lighting solutions. Contact us with any questions and learn how to improve your UV lamp application with quality UV light bulbs and tubes.

Where Is UV Light on the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

Electromagnetic energy travels in waves and covers a very wide spectrum from short gamma rays to long radio waves, with x-rays, visible light, and UV light in between. Only a small portion of this electromagnetic spectrum is visible light that the human eye can detect. An x-ray machine detects a different portion of the spectrum, and a radio detects yet another portion of this spectrum. 

People use electromagnetic energy every day, when they send a text message, watch television, listen to the radio, or use a microwave oven. The world as we know it would not exist without electromagnetic energy.

UV Light and Visible Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is actually not visible to the human eye, with shorter wavelengths than visible light. Visible light can be seen at wavelengths measuring from about 400 to 700 nm, with 400 nm light being purple or violet in color. UV light is emitted in shorter wavelengths in the range of 100 to 400 nm, closest to the violet color on the visible spectrum, thus is coined beyond violet, or ultraviolet.

UVA, UVB, & UVC

Ultraviolet radiation has many practical uses and provides many benefits to industries and applications to help the human race.  Ultraviolet light is further broken down into three categories, UVA, UVB, and UVC light.  UVC is the shortest wavelength and, when emitted from the sun, is completely absorbed by the ozone layer, although it is proven to provide powerful germicidal properties. 

Scientists and lighting engineers replicate UVC radiation when manufacturing UVC bulbs that provide powerful germicidal properties in many environments, including air disinfection, surface, and water sterilization. UVB lamps are commonly used in many medical phototherapy applications, bringing relief to a wide range of people suffering from skin disorders, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, and also helping people with mood disorders and depression. UVA lamps are also useful in medical phototherapy applications and are also the commonly known black light. Black lights do much more than illuminate psychedelic posters, they help crime scene investigators identify organic material and bodily fluids and help prevent fraud with currency validation.

No matter what type of UV light bulbs you require, working with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer is the best way to ensure quality lamps, as not all UV lamps are created equal.

LightSources is recognized as a leading global supplier of UV light bulbs with a wide selection of standard shapes and sizes and custom options available, including UV light tubes, U-shaped lamps, and custom designs. Contact us to learn more about the many UV lamp solutions we provide with high-quality, and high-tech UV lamp engineering.