UV Disinfection Lamps in HVAC Systems

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps designed to emit UVC radiation have long been used for effective disinfection and sterilization purposes. Lighting engineers re-create UVC light which is naked to the human eye, and the shortest wave of UV light that is fully absorbed by the ozone layer. UVC radiation packs powerful germ-killing properties and quickly kills a variety of viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms within seconds of contact.

UVC lights have been used in many disinfection applications for decades, such as air purification systems, water disinfection systems, and surface sterilization applications. 

Benefits of UVC Lamps in Air Purification Systems

UVC lamps in air purification systems prevent many airborne diseases by purifying the air and cleansing air from harmful contaminants while circulating and exposed to UVC lamps. UV lamps in HVAC systems are becoming more popular as many people realize the benefits of removing harmful contaminants from the air and preventing airborne disease.

Germicidal UV lamps in HVAC units provide additional benefits of protecting equipment and air condenser coils against the formation and buildup of mold and mildew. UVC lamps are known to prevent mold and mildew, which helps equipment to run smoother, more efficiently, and last longer.

How UVC Lamps Kill Airborne Viruses

UVC radiation quickly penetrates the DNA of harmful cells, altering the genetic makeup of these microorganisms, which renders them unable to reproduce. Cells that cannot reproduce are rendered harmless without the needed proteins to replicate or survive. Many studies show high efficacy with germ-killing properties of UVC germicidal lamps in air purification and HVAC systems.

UVC lamps should only be installed by a professional in HVAC systems as exposure to UVC radiation can be harmful to human eyes and skin. 

LightSources and valued partner LightTech are leading UV lamp global suppliers offering high-quality, high-tech germicidal lamps designed to meet specific disinfection requirements. We offer custom design and development with custom phosphor blends, prototype development, and OEM-oriented solutions. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about the many benefits of quality UVC lamps in HVAC systems.

UV Light Improves Food Safety with UV Irradiation

Ultraviolet (UV) light is useful in many applications providing benefits far beyond illumination. UV light in the UVC range is known to provide powerful germ-killing properties for disinfection and sterilization in many environments. UVC germicidal lamps are used in many germ-killing applications, such as UV air purification, surface sterilization, and water disinfection.

UV lamps are very useful in food and beverage processing applications to prevent a variety of foodborne illnesses, protect against infestation from harmful pathogens, and preserve food keeping it fresher longer.

UV Food Irradiation FDA Approved

UV food irradiation has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA,  for decades and is proven to be an entirely safe method to treat food products. UV food irradiation helps food processing plants to ensure foods are free from harmful diseases such as listeria, which can be found in raw foods and processed meats, vegetables, and dairy products. 

These foods can become contaminated after food processing, and using UV disinfection methods on food processing conveyor belts helps to keep contact surfaces sterile without using harsh chemicals. UV food irradiation helps to prevent listeria during final food packaging for many ready-to-eat foods.

UV Irradiation Protects Many Food Types

UV irradiation protects many types of foods and beverages, providing many benefits to food and beverage processors such as:

• Prevents insect infestation in grains, nuts, vegetables, or dried fruit

• Prevents potatoes, garlic, and onions from premature sprouting

• Prolongs freshness and extends shelf life, especially for bread and dairy products

• Prevents mold and mildew from accumulating on liquid sugar tanks

• Preserves nutritional value in food items

• Slows down the process of aging and ripening

• Reduces microorganisms found in herbs and spices

• Prevents listeria on conveyor belts, a big risk for ready-to-eat and meat food processors

• Reduces risk of health hazards from foodborne illnesses, particularly in meat, seafood, and poultry

UV food irradiation provides these benefits and more to ensure healthier food products with safer food processing. UV food irradiation reduces the need for chemical cleaners and additives, which are always a concern in the food and beverage industry. UVC lamps provide powerful benefits to food processors that improve food safety and reduce the risk of contaminated food, improving the bottom line with less waste.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps found in many sterilization applications, including food irradiation. Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UVC electromagnetic radiation and custom design lamps to meet specific wavelength requirements. Contact us with any questions and to improve any germicidal application, including food irradiation with quality UVC lamps.

Excimer Lamp Application And Uses

The term Excimer lamp refers to ultraviolet lamps that are specially designed to emit UV radiation in the wavelength range of 170 nm to approximately 230 nm. The wavelength emission depends on the noble gas excimers present in the lamp. Excimer lamps are popular for generating far UVC, typically in the specific range of 222 nm, an ideal range for UV disinfection, although they are capable of producing other ranges for use in applications. 

Excimer lamps designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 172 nm are commonly used for UV curing applications and when designed to emit 185 nm, are known to create ozone.

Excimer Lamps at 222 nm for Sterilization

Conventional UVC germicidal lamps typically emit radiation in the range of 254 nm, which is highly effective for germicidal applications, although is unsafe for use in the presence of humans. Far UVC at 222 nm is proven just as effective, if not more than 254 nm in some germicidal applications and offers the benefit of safe usage in occupied spaces. 222 nm Excimer lamps are proven just as effective at eliminating threats of stubborn viruses such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

UV Surface Activation at 172 nm with Excimer lamps 

UV Excimer lamps designed to emit 172 nm radiation are used primarily for UV curing and surface activation industrial applications. Ultraviolet radiation at 172 nm alters surface energy to allow for improved adhesion of coatings to substrates. UV lamps at 172 nm deliver electromagnetic energy to alter organic molecule bonds to improve adhesion and UV curing applications without altering physical surface properties. 

Excimer Lamps for Ozone Production at 185 nm

Ultraviolet lamps designed to emit UV radiation in the range of 185 nm are known to produce ozone and effective oxidizer and deodorizer. Ozone lamps are commonly used in water and air sterilization systems to purify the air and eliminate the threat of airborne diseases while also removing foul odors.

LightSources offers a wide range of ultraviolet lamp solutions for many industries and applications, including UV sterilization, UV curing, and ozone production. We offer custom design, engineering, and manufacturing, including prototype development focusing on OEM-oriented solutions. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about the many benefits of Excimer lamps.

UVB Phototherapy Lamps for Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder which causes white patches to appear on the skin due to a progressive loss of melanocytes, melanin forming cells. These colorless patches on the skin have distinct margins, are non-scaly, and typically will get larger over time. They may also appear inside of the nose and mouth, and loss of color can also affect hair and facial hair.

UVB Lamps for Vitiligo Provide Successful Treatment

Ultraviolet, UV lamps designed to emit narrow band UVB give patients hope for a positive prognosis when properly administered. UVB lamps for vitiligo are considered safe under the proper direction and are typically administered in the office of a dermatologist. Ultraviolet lamps are most effective at restoring skin pigmentation on patients with vitiligo on the neck and face; white patches on fingertips, toes, and the lips are less responsive to UVB phototherapy.

Narrowband UVB Proven Effective Treatment for Vitiligo

Narrowband UVB lamps were shown to provide nearly 75% repigmentation on 63% of patients receiving phototherapy for vitiligo twice per week over the course of one year in this study published by the National Library of medicine. Narrowband UVB lamps were shown to be more effective than another popular treatment with UVA lamps and Psoralen medication, referred to as PUVA. Patients should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action for their type of vitiligo.

LightSources Offers Phototherapy Lamps for Vitiligo

LightSources is a leading global supplier of specialty fluorescent and ultraviolet lamps used in a variety of applications, including medical phototherapy treatment. We offer UVA and UVB phototherapy lamps for vitiligo and many other skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema.  LightSources employs the leading high-tech lamp designers and engineers, offering a wide range of UVC germicidal lamp solutions used in many disinfection applications worldwide, such as air purification systems, surface sterilization, and water disinfection.

LightSources leads the way with UV lamp solutions offering a wide range of lamp types and styles as well as custom design, engineering, and manufacturing. Our lighting engineers offer capabilities to create custom phosphor blends to meet your exact wavelength emission specifications. Contact us to learn more about medical phototherapy lamps, including UVB lamps for vitiligo.

What Conditions Do Medical Phototherapy Lamps Treat?

Ultraviolet light has many useful purposes, with UV electromagnetic radiation providing germicidal and healing properties.  Medical phototherapy is the process of using various wavelengths of UV light to treat certain conditions. UV phototherapy lamps are useful in treating and providing relief to a variety of ailments and illnesses. 

Phototherapy lamps are proven to treat many health conditions, including:

Neonatal jaundice - UV lamps are the main source of treatment to break down bilirubin in the blood that occurs when an infant’s liver is not yet fully capable of breaking down the toxins in the body.  “Bili” lights help the baby’s body and prevent brain damage. 

Mood disorders, depression – many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months with less sunlight. Light therapy lamps help to treat depression which can be mild to severe and can improve symptoms of fatigue, lack of interest, and many other depressive symptoms. 

Sleep disorders – phototherapy lamps treat sleep disorders, including jet lag, by helping the body to regulate the natural circadian rhythm. 

Light therapy lamps also treat a host of skin conditions and are prescribed by dermatologists to ensure the right wavelength is used to treat specific conditions such as: 

Acne – UV light is proven to help treat acne, which affects nearly 60 million people in the U.S. Topical treatments can minimize symptoms, but many are ineffective, leaving people looking for help. Combinations of red and blue light therapy have been proven successful in treating acne to reduce outbreaks and lessen the severity of symptoms. 

Eczema – UV light is useful for successfully treating eczema with UVA, UVB, and narrow-band UVB wavelengths that reduce symptoms and help to clear skin. 

Psoriasis – light therapy helps to treat psoriasis by successfully lessening the severity of symptoms and preventing outbreaks.  Sometimes medication called Psoralen is used in conjunction with UVA and UVB wavelengths to help absorption for successful treatment. 

Vitiligo – UV lights treat vitiligo which is a skin condition that leaves white patches on the skin due to a loss of melanin. Narrowband UVB lamps are a popular way to treat vitiligo and help repigment skin cells.

Ultraviolet medical phototherapy lights are used to treat these conditions and others, such as helping wounds to heal by increasing blood circulation and preventing infection. Photodynamic therapy, PDT, is a treatment where UV blue light is used in conjunction with medications to treat certain types of cancer and kill cancer cells or tumors of atypical growth. 

As you can see, ultraviolet lamps have vast healing power, although the right type of lamp with the correct wavelength must be used to treat each condition. It is important to use light therapy correctly under a physician’s care. 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV and fluorescent lamps using medical phototherapy as well as germicidal applications. Our UVC germicidal lamps are used worldwide to sterilize and disinfect in air purification systems, water treatment systems, and surface sterilization applications. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our many phototherapy lamps and our ability to design, engineer, and produce custom-designed wavelengths to meet your specific requirements.

How is Far UVC 222 nm Light Safer than 254 nm UV lamps?

Ultraviolet light emitted in the UVC range (100-280 nm) is highly effective at eliminating harmful germs with standard germicidal lamps designed to emit wavelengths close to the 254 nm range. The specific wavelength is proven to be highly effective at eliminating many harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, mold, fungi, and other microorganisms. Germicidal UVC lamps are used in UV air treatment systems, water purification and surface sterilization systems worldwide. 

The standard germicidal lamps, however, cannot be used in the presence of humans due to the risk of damage to human skin and eyes.

222 Nm Far UVC Lamps Are Safer Than Standard Germicidal Lamps

UVC light emitted precisely at 222 nm is also called Far UVC and is proven to have the same germicidal effectiveness without the risk of human exposure. 222 nm UV light is highly absorbed by the DNA of cells, similar to how cells absorb UV light when in the range of 254 nm. 222 nm light is also absorbed by the proteins that surround the cells, which differs from 254 nm light. 

Proteins are contained in the cell outer membranes of bacteria and viruses, and because they absorb 222 nm UV light, the harmful radiation cannot penetrate into the thick layer of human cells. This protective layer is also found on the eyes, making 222 nm light safer for exposure to human skin and eyes, allowing for use in occupied spaces.

Far UVC lamps designed to emit 222 nm are currently in use in many applications, including medical facilities, hospitals, public spaces, and commercial uses providing effective sterilization and disinfection without the risk of causing harm to human health.

LightSources and LightTech are leading global suppliers of UVC germicidal lamps designed for a wide range of industries and applications. We offer custom design and engineering, and prototype development and are currently developing Excimer lamps to produce Far UVC in the range of 222 nm UV light. 

LightSources offers custom design and prototype development to meet unique customer specifications. Excimer lamps to produce far UVC light are currently in development at LightSources. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about all her germicidal solutions  including the efficacy and safety of 222 nm UV light.

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.