Does UV Light Kill Covid in Water, Surfaces, and in Air?

Ultraviolet (UV) UV light emitted specifically in the UVC range is proven to be highly effective at killing many germs including tough bacteria and viruses. UVC radiation emitted at specifically 254 nm wavelengths is the most effective to inactivate viruses and bacteria by penetrating the cells of these microorganisms and rendering them unable to replicate. UVC wavelengths emitted in the range of 207 - 222 nm is referred to as far UVC light, which is also very effective at sterilization while not quite as harmful to human skin and eyes. 

UV Sterilization in Water

UVC germicidal lamps are used in many water sterilization applications such as wastewater treatment plants, pool and spa and many other water disinfection applications. Germicidal UV lamps have been proven to eliminate many harmful bacteria that even chlorine does not kill, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. UV light is also proven to kill harmful beta coronaviruses, like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).  The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is in the same beta coronavirus family as MERS and SARS and UV light is also effective at eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as shown in this recent study. 

UV Light Kills SARS CoV-2 Virus on Surfaces

UVC lamps are highly effective at eliminating harmful pathogens on surfaces and are in wide use in many applications such as hospitals, schools, and laboratories. Surfaces should be clean and indirect exposure of UV radiation for maximum efficacy, which is why many hospitals follow manual cleaning procedures with a roaming UVC robot. This is an effective practice to significantly increase the safety of patients in hospital rooms and staff. 

UVC Lamps Kill Covid in the Air

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is known to spread the airborne particles which is one of the most common modes of transmission and infection. UVC air purification systems kill viruses and bacteria as they circulate through the air in your home or office, protecting people from airborne disease. UV lamps in HVAC and central AC units provide automatic 24/7 protection by killing viruses that pass through air handling units (AHUs) and protect your equipment by preventing the buildup of mold and fungi.

UVC germicidal lamps are highly effective at eliminating bacteria and viruses, including beta coronaviruses and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. 

LightSources, LightTech and our valuable partner companies represent the LightSources group, recognized worldwide as a leading provider of high-quality UV lamps. Our lighting engineers offer custom designed products and solutions with prototype design and development as well as custom phosphor blends to meet your specific application needs. Contact us to learn more about UVC germicidal lamps and are proven effectiveness at eliminating the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in water, surfaces and in the air.