Everything You Need to By George McIntyre Regional Renovation Manager, Acuity Brands Lighting and Controls and
L M & M / / S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 / / E V E R Y T H I N G YO U N E E D T O K N O W T O S E L L U V L I G H T I N G
Mary Hollenbaugh Architectural Sales Manager, Acuity Brands Lighting and Controls
One of many issues the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored is the necessity for public and private spaces to be clean and sanitary to help contain the spread of viruses and germs (pathogens). Among several disinfection practices gaining new attention is ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection technology (AKA germicidal UV or GUV), which is an effective engineered solution that can be added to other methods of cleaning and treatment. Despite the known capabilities of various UV lighting disinfection solutions to inactivate pathogens, many customers still have questions and may even be misinformed about UV lighting technology. Below are answers to some questions that can arise frequently when presenting UV disinfection lighting solutions to customers.
1. WHAT IS GERMICIDAL ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT (GUV)? Certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light have been known for some time to have the ability to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Newer research findings have shown that UVC wavelengths (under 280nm) are particularly effective
28
wavelengths for inactivating viruses and bacteria. Because UVC (200-280nm) has the strongest “germicidal” properties within the full UV spectrum, most GUV light technologies utilize UVC light sources. As a result, GUV light technologies incorporating UVC are currently used in a number of air, water, and surface disinfection products and systems. Interestingly, the earth’s atmosphere removes the UVC band from solar radiation before it reaches the earth’s surface, so all UVC light must be generated from electric light sources.
2. HOW DOES UVC WORK AS A DISINFECTION TECHNOLOGY? Studies have demonstrated that, in a laboratory setting, UVC (200-280) has inactivated known viruses and other pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 (which gave rise to COVID-19), on surfaces and in the air. The energy generated in this UVC wavelength range breaks down the structures inside the pathogens preventing them from replicating, thus rendering these pathogens harmless.