Does UV Light Kill COVID-19?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is the cause of a viral outbreak that led to a devastating global pandemic. Public health systems and economies worldwide have been ravaged by this virus and many people are asking the question, “Does UV light kill Covid?”. As of December 31, 2021, the pandemic is experiencing a surge with the new Omicron variant and a total death toll of 5,439,895 globally, with more than 825,816 deaths in the United States. *UPDATE – as of 3/29/23, there have been 761,402,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6,887,000 deaths globally, and 102,697,566 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,117,054 deaths in the U.S., as reported by the World Health Organization, WHO.

We put together a compilation of several studies showing the effectiveness of UV light for COVID, including how UVC light kills other coronaviruses, how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted, and UVC lamps that are proven effective at eliminating betacoronaviruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Types of UVC Lamps Effective in Killing Covid

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of UV radiation from the sun, that has less energy than X-rays and gamma rays, although has more energy than visible light and radio waves. Sunlight emits natural UV rays in three broad spectrums, UVA, UVB and UVC. People can experience exposure to UVA and UVB rays from natural sunlight, although most UVC natural rays are absorbed by the ozone layer.

UVC light is replicated in manmade germicidal UVC lamps, which have been proven to kill many viruses and bacteria including beta coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is in the beta coronavirus family similar to the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). UVC light is proven effective at eradicating MERS and SARS and recent studies show that UVC lamps are also similarly effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

Does UV Light Kill Covid in Liquid?

UV light is an effective disinfectant and sterilizer, proven to kill viruses in water, on surfaces and in the air. UVC light effectively inactivates bacteria and viruses by damaging nucleic acids of cells, rendering them unable to replicate. An inactivated cell that is unable to replicate is considered harmless and unable to spread further disease. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), UVC light is proven effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid cultures as “SARS-CoV-2 is highly susceptible to irradiation with ultraviolet light“.

UVC lamps are used in UV water disinfection applications such as waste water treatment plants, aqua culture, pool and spa and many additional water sterilization needs.

Does UV Light Kill COVID on Surfaces?

In Laboratories and all Surfaces

UVC germicidal lamps have been shown to be effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in studies by the AJIC showing a 99.7% effective rate on laboratory surfaces. In order to achieve this high efficacy rate to disinfect surfaces they must be clean and experience direct exposure.

In Hospitals and Medical Facilities

For this reason, many hospitals and medical facilities have added UVC light disinfection to their regular cleaning regimen. UVC light disinfection helps to keep hospital rooms, surgical rooms, surgical and medical equipment sterile and free from harmful bacteria, including some antibiotic resistant superbugs.

UVC Lamps for Restaurant Disinfection

UVC disinfection is helping restaurant owners get back to business and keep their staff and patrons safe. UVC lamps are used in many areas of a restaurant such as disinfecting commercial kitchen surfaces and preventing grease build-up in exhaust fans. Learn the many benefits of UV lamps for restaurants.

UVC Germicidal Lamps

UVC lamps manufactured to emit light in the UVC range are the most effective to kill viruses and bacteria, with standard germicidal lamps designed to emit light at 254 nm. While this wavelength is proven highly effective it can also be damaging to human skin and eyes, therefore some germicidal lamps are designed to emit wavelengths between 207- 222 nm, referred to as Far-UVC light. Far-UVC light is effective at killing germs and viruses and is less hazardous to skin and eyes than other types of UVC lamps.

Does UV Light Kill COVID in the Air?

UV Air Sterilization

Many scientists believe that airborne particles are one of the most common modes of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thus sterilizing and disinfecting air in enclosed spaces should help to protect people against contracting the COVID-19 disease. UVC lamps in HVAC units are an effective method of sterilizing air and is utilized in many commercial, industrial, and residential air purification systems.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports concludes that UVC light is effective at killing airborne human coronaviruses including those that cause the common cold and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Based on what we know about ultraviolet light, specifically UV light emitted in the UVC range, many studies are showing that UV light may be used as a valuable tool to kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in liquid, on surfaces and in the air. Far-UVC light may be a good choice for some disinfection applications with less harmful health risks to human exposure.

Quality UVC Lamps Proven to Kill Viruses

LightSources is recognized internationally as a leading supplier of high-quality germicidal UVC lamps proven to kill many viruses and bacteria, with a modern state-of-the-art glass factory in Europe and several valuable partner companies providing custom engineering services. You can find our UV disinfectant lamps in many applications worldwide for water, air and surface sterilization.

Our engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and lamp design, with a commitment to continual improvement through research and development. Our UV light proprietary technologies include LongLife+, which is a specialty coating engineered to increase the life of your lamp for up to 16,000 hours. We offer prototype solutions with rapid development, custom engineering to meet your specific and unique specifications and proprietary solutions for you that increase your brand awareness.

How Effective is Far UVC Light at 222 nm?

Far UVC is ultraviolet (UV) light in the range of 207–222 nm, which are shorter wavelengths than the traditional 254 nm UVC lamps.  Interest in far UVC technology is increasing with more research and awareness of the many benefits of UVC lamps engineered to emit wavelengths in the far UVC range. Far UVC wavelengths are shown to provide the same germicidal effectiveness with many benefits such as improved safety. 

Safety of Far UVC vs. Traditional 254 nm UV Lamps

Traditional 254 nm lamps emit powerful UVC radiation highly effective for germicidal applications, although cannot be used when people are present in the room. Traditional UVC sterilization systems must be operated in a closed system, with precautionary measures to shut off automatically if a person enters the room because they can damage human eyes and skin. Far UVC 222 nm lamps emit shorter wavelengths that are shown to operate safely without causing harm to human eyes and skin. 

Far UVC 222 nm Lamp Effectiveness

Far UVC lamps are also shown to be highly effective at killing the same types of viruses, bacteria, and harmful pathogens as traditional UV germicidal lamps, influenza, alpha, and beta coronaviruses. One study conducted by various universities showed that far UVC technology effectively eliminated the threat of airborne bacteria, S. Aureus, while continually spraying into a room. The far UVC lamps and overhead systems eliminated 98% of airborne microbes even though they were continually spraying into the room.

This study and others like it so that the future is bright for far UVC light, with effective disinfection that can be used continually as opposed to only when people are not in the room.

LightSources is a leader in the UVC lamp industry with a wide range of traditional 254 nm UV lamps and custom design and engineering to meet specific wavelength emissions. Our UVC germicidal lamps can be found worldwide in surface, water, and air purification systems. Contact us to learn more about UVC germicidal technology including far UVC lamps.

UV Food Irradiation Proven to Improve Food Safety

Ultraviolet (UV) light produces electromagnetic UV radiation which has known germicidal and sterilization effects. UV irradiation has many purposes and preventing foodborne illnesses is one important sterilization process that UV light provides to food processors with many health benefits to end-users. UV lamps which emit radiation in the UVC wavelength help to protect against harmful pathogens which can infest food products and keep food fresher longer. 

How Does UV Radiation Protect Food?

When food and beverage products are exposed to UV radiation, powerful germ-killing UVC energy improves the safety and condition of these items. Ultraviolet radiation is absorbed through chemical bonds which protects food without altering food quality and is completely harmless, proven to improve the safety of food and beverage items. Food processing with UV irradiation protects meat processing plants, juices, and beverage pasteurization, and extends the shelf life of produce.

UV irradiation also disinfects surfaces where food is prepared in food processing plants and restaurants around the world. UV radiation for food is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, and is also approved by the US Department of Agriculture, USDA. UV radiation improves food safety, prevents many foodborne illnesses, and preserves foods to last longer, extending the shelf life of various products without risk of disease.

What Types of Foods Are Protected with UV Radiation?

UVC germicidal lamps produce UV irradiation to protect a wide range of food and beverage products by providing the following benefits:

• Prevents infestation of insects in grains, vegetables, nuts, and fruits

• Prevents mold and mildew from accumulating on liquid sugar tanks

• Prevents onions, garlic, and potatoes from sprouting early

• Reduces risk of foodborne illnesses in poultry, meat, and seafood

• Prevents harmful bacteria and viruses such as listeria from developing on conveyor belts which is a serious issue for ready to eat food processors

UVC germicidal lamps are proven effective in food processing applications as well as many other types of sterilization and disinfection processes. UV sterilization lamps improve indoor air quality in public, commercial, industrial, and residential settings with UVC air purification systems. UVC lamps also remove harmful microorganisms and many water sterilization applications such as water treatment plants, pools and spas, Aqua sciences and many other water applications. Surface sterilization is important in many settings such as hospitals, restaurants, laboratories, and many others and is achieved with UVC germicidal lamps.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamp solutions in a wide range of fluorescent, and low-pressure mercury sterilization lamps. We offer custom design and engineering, prototype development, and meet production requirements for OEMs worldwide. Contact us to learn more about high-tech, high quality UVC lamps for food irradiation.

Compact, CFL Bulbs with Plug-In Versatility

Compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as CFL bulbs, are becoming more popular in many applications.  CFL lamps come in a wide variety of sizes to meet different needs such as for commercial, industrial, and residential uses.  CFL lamps can also be designed to emit UVC radiation for germicidal applications, which is also increasing in demand as technology allows for customizing lamp sizes and shapes to accommodate many different styles of disinfection and sterilization systems. 

PLL and PLS Compact Lights

Compact lamps are often in one of two categories, either PLL (plug-in long) version or PLS (plug-in short) version. PLS lights are common in accentuating architecture or fine pieces of art.  CFL bulbs like PLS lamps are also used for security measures, in offices, homes, or for illuminating exterior signs.  PLS fluorescent lamps are found in many places and provide long-lasting, pleasing light with very cost-efficient performance. 

UVC PLS Lamps

PLS germicidal lamps are common in sterilization systems that demand powerful UV sterilization but in a limited space. UVC radiation emitted at precisely 254 nm is proven effective at killing many types of germs and harmful microorganisms. UVC germicidal lamps are used in water sterilization systems and can even kill bacteria that chlorine cannot. UV sterilization lamps in hospitals can even eliminate bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics, considered superbugs. 

UVC sterilization lamps are common in many air purification systems and can be installed in upper room UVGI air sterilization systems and are also installed in HVAC systems. UVC lamps in furnaces and air conditioning systems require powerful sterilization lamps in tight spaces. UVC PLS lamps provide effective sterilization when space is an issue.

LightSources Offers PLL and PLS Lamps with Endless Options

LightSources offers high-quality CFL bulbs in PLL and PLS lamp types with endless possibilities for custom configurations. Most PLL lamps are either 2-pin or 4-pin, although LightSources offers custom configurations with various sizes and customized sockets and bases.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high quality UV lamps found in a wide range of lighting applications. We meet the needs of OEMs of all sizes with prototype solutions and high quality, on-time production.  Contact us to learn more about designing and engineering custom CFL lamps to meet your needs with PL and PLS light solutions.

Does Ultraviolet Light Reduce TOC’s?

Total Organic Carbon, TOC, refers to organic carbon compounds found in water and may include man-made compounds, natural or altered product, or synthetic material. TOCs may contain bacteria and harmful materials or pathogens that could cause damage, system failure or health consequences if not effectively removed. Identifying and measuring concentration of TOC’s and water and practicing TOC reduction methods protects consumers, the environment, and many industries.

Removal of TOCs is critical in many applications where high-purity water is important for process quality. TOC reduction is important in: 

• Pharmaceutical industry processes

• Wastewater treatment

• Food and beverage industry

• Semiconductor and microelectronics production 

The impact of TOCs such as bacteria and other organic compounds can have serious negative effects on these processes and others. 

How UV Lamps Reduce TOCs

Ultraviolet, UV, lamps have been used for more than 100 years to eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria in many disinfection applications.  UVC lamps effectively kill microorganisms on surfaces, in the air and in water. UV lamps for TOC reduction remove harmful TOCs from water sources for many applications. 

Some TOC removal lamps utilize 185 nanometer (nm) emissions to produce ozone, which is a powerful oxidizer. Ozone lamps leads to oxidation of the total organic compounds which is the chemical reaction caused by 185 nm UV lamps.  TOCs are ionized by UV lamps and are then removed by a deionization process. 

Benefits of UV Lamps for TOC Reduction

UV lamps for TOC reduction provide many benefits in addition to delivering an effective, safe and reliable method to purify water.  UV lamps which are designed to emit wavelengths in the 254 nm range are the most effective germicidal lamps, and also remove viruses, bacteria, mold and other harmful pathogens including TOCs.  UV lamps for TOC reduction provide:

• Germicidal efficacy

• Low maintenance costs

• Low operational costs

• Can be used in air, water, and surfaces indoors or outdoors

• Produce no harmful byproducts such as with chemicals 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps for germicidal applications in air, water, and surfaces. We provide high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps and UV lamps for TOC reduction.  Contact us to learn more about our UV germicidal lamps and TOC removal. 

How UVC Lamps are Helping Hospitals

Hospitals provide lifesaving treatments with modern medicine and staff dedicated to healing sick individuals. Unfortunately, as much effort is focused on sanitizing and sterilizing all surfaces in hospitals, many people contract an additional illness from a hospital stay when seeking treatment for a health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, estimate that approximately 1 in 25 people who are admitted as patients to a hospital contract an additional infection from their hospital stay. This is referred to as a hospital acquired infection, HAI, and it is estimated that approximately 100,000 people die every year from an HAI in the United States.

UVC Germicidal Lamps Help Sterilize Hospitals

Surfaces in hospital patient rooms and stagnant air circulating through hospitals can create a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Patients ill with antibiotic resistant infections, commonly called superbugs, can leave behind transmissible germs even with thorough manual cleaning.  UVC germicidal lamps significantly improve sterilization rates when combined with manual cleaning tactics and are proven effective at eliminating many superbugs such as MRSA, SARS and even the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. 

UVC Lamps Sterilize Air, Surfaces, and Water

UVC germicidal technology is utilized in hospitals in a number of ways.  UVC germicidal lamps installed in HVAC, air-conditioning units or upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, UVGI, units are proven to improve indoor air quality, sterilize and purify the air. UV sterilization lamps are also utilized to disinfect many surfaces in hospitals including operating rooms, patient rooms, and to directly sterilize medical equipment and surgery devices.  UVC lamps are also used in water applications to prevent bacteria, mold or mildew and ensure clean and sterile water.

UVC Robots Help Hospitals Stay Clean

In addition to UVC germicidal lamps used in air, water, and surface sterilization systems, UVC robots are becoming more popular in hospitals and many other public places. Robots equipped with UVC sterilization lamps can roam hospital rooms and reach places that manual cleaning cannot reach, providing a safety net with powerful UV radiation proven to kill viruses and germs.

LightSources offers UVC germicidal lamps for hospital sterilization and all applications including water, surface, air, and UVC robots. We are a leading global supplier of UV sterilization lamps with a wide range of product sizes to meet any application need as well as custom-designed solutions to meet your germicidal requirements. Contact us to learn more about improving sterilization and hospitals, medical facilities, and any other environment.

Does UV Light Kill Covid?

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is the virus that causes COVID-19 and a devastating global pandemic that began in early 2020. As of January 1, 2022, according to the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center Global Map, there have been 5,442,655 deaths globally and over 825,982 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the U.S. alone. Public health systems and economies continue to struggle against the changing variants such as the latest omicron variant which is spreading rapidly.

For more than 100 years, ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been used to disinfect and sterilize many environments, and public health officials are realizing that UV light provides an added layer of protection against infection from many viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2.

Does UV Light Kill Covid?

According to an article published by the American Journal of infection control, regarding the Susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 to UV irradiation, published in August 2020, UV light effectively sterilizes a wide range of microorganisms and is an added tool for use in reaction to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While more research has yet to be completed regarding the exact dosage and exposure time of UVC radiation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, UVC sterilization systems are proven to eliminate other coronaviruses in the same beta coronavirus family. UVC radiation effectively eliminates the viruses that cause MERS and SARS, other respiratory outbreaks caused by a coronavirus.

A recent article published in Medical Life-Sciences, explains how UVC sterilization systems can be an extra layer of defense against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. UVC sterilization systems can be utilized in many public places including hospitals, restaurants, hotels, airports, universities, public transportation systems and more. 

Exposure to UVC radiation can harm the skin and eyes.  These systems such as UVC robots should be used without direct exposure to human contact and under the advice of a professional with correct UVC disinfection systems properly installed for maximum efficacy and operation.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions including UVC germicidal lamps for air sterilization, surface and water disinfection applications. We offer OEM oriented solutions with custom lamp designs, prototype development, a strict quality policy and quick turnaround time. Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamp solutions proven in sterilization systems worldwide.

How to Select a Light Therapy Box for Seasonal Depression

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, seasonal depression that occurs during fall and winter months due to a lack of sunlight affects approximately 4 to 6% of people. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD, can affect another 10 to 20% of people and is four times more likely to occur in women than in men. SAD is also more common in northern locations such as Washington state as opposed to a more southern and sunny state like Florida

Light therapy with a medical phototherapy lamp, also called a light therapy box, can help to alleviate some symptoms of seasonal depression although can be more effective when combined with additional treatments such as psychotherapy and antidepressant medication

How Light Therapy Treatment for Depression Work

Light therapy boxes mimic outdoor sunlight, which is believed to cause a chemical change in the brain that eases symptoms of seasonal depression and lifts your mood. Generally, a light therapy box should emit as little UV light as possible and should provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light

Recommendations for using light therapy include:

• Using for about 20 to 30 minutes within the first hour of waking up

• Have your eyes open but do not look directly at the light

• Keep the lamp a distance of 16 to 24 inches away from your face

Light therapy boxes are designed with special medical phototherapy lamps. Some people might think that a tanning bed provides the same benefit although this is not true. Tanning bed lamps are quite different and are known to increase the risk of skin cancer. While light therapy for seasonal depression is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, they are designed to be safe and effective.

Your doctor can help to recommend a specific type of light therapy box, although you can buy one without a prescription and most health insurance plans will not cover the cost.

Considerations When Choosing a Light Therapy Box

It is best to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and for help in choosing the right type of light therapy treatment. For people with bipolar disorder, too much exposure could induce manic symptoms. People with eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or eye damage from diabetes should speak with their eye doctor before beginning phototherapy

When choosing a light therapy box make sure that it is specifically designed to treat seasonal depression. Many medical phototherapy lamps are designed to treat skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Medical therapy lamps designed for skin conditions are not the same as lamps designed for depression.  Tanning lamps and UVC germicidal lamps are also not designed with the same wavelength and can cause harm instead of benefits if used incorrectly.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions including medical phototherapy lamps. We provide high-tech, custom designed and engineered lamps for a wide range of applications and industries, including phototherapy. Contact us for high-quality UV lamp solutions including light therapy lamps for seasonal depression.

UV Lamps in Your Furnace Disinfect the Air

Ultraviolet (UV) light has very distinct properties and when emitted in the short wave UVC range, it is very effective at killing germs.  UV light is emitted in different wavelengths known as UVA, UVB and UVC.  UVA and UVB reach the earth and are what causes the common sunburn, whereas UVC energy is absorbed by the ozone layer.  UV lamp engineers recreate UVC energy in powerful germ-killing lamps that quickly eliminate harmful pathogens to sterilize surfaces and the air in mere seconds. 

How Do UVC Lamps Sterilize Air?

UVC lamps sterilize the air by quickly eliminating harmful germs including bacteria and viruses.  UV wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm) and UV light at the 254 nm range is proven very effective at destroying germs. UVC electromagnetic energy penetrates the DNA of these cells and renders them unable to replicate.  A cell that cannot replicate is considered harmless. 

UVC Lamps in Furnaces

UVC lamps are the key to disinfection in surface, water, and air purification systems.  UVC disinfection lamps can be mounted in furnaces and HVAC systems to eliminate the growth of mold or mildew inside the unit itself and to sterilize the air as it passes through the lamp’s wavelengths.  UVC germicidal lamps in furnaces help to prevent the spread of airborne disease while also improving equipment performance.  Mold and mildew tend to build up in damp, dark places like the inside of a furnace, UV lamps improve equipment performance for longer lasting use with less maintenance required. 

According to this article by the National Institutes of Health, UVC lamps effectively reduce contamination of fungi in HVAC air handling systems. 

UVC Lamps for Furnaces

LightSources offers germicidal UVC lamps for air purification when installed in furnaces and HVAC systems.  UVC germicidal lamps designed to emit 185 nm produce ozone, another type of disinfection lamp that can travel in the air with an oxidative effect to eliminate foul odors. UV lamps should be installed by a professional for furnace and HVAC disinfection. 

LightSources offers UVC germicidal lamp solutions to OEMs of all sizes.  We provide a wide selection of high-tech, high-quality germicidal lamps and offer custom designed solutions to meet the specifications of your air purification system.  Contact us to speak with an engineer about UV lamps for furnace disinfection applications.