UV Lamps in HVAC Systems Fight Spread of Disease

 

The use of ultraviolet (UV) light in disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces is gaining as part of the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus and to control health acquired infections (HAIs) in hospitals. HAIs are a serious problem for hospitals, especially when stretched at capacity and short on staff.  Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1 in 25 patients were estimated to contract an HAI from a hospital stay, some with dire consequences. Protecting patients and staff against HAIs including drug-resistant bacteria and serious viruses with effective hospital disinfection is top priority for hospitals and healthcare facilities. 

Nearly everything that is in a hospital room from all the surfaces to airborne particles, medical equipment and the clothing and hands of healthcare workers can serve as a reservoir and vector for transmitting opportunistic pathogens.  While contaminated surfaces and insufficient hand hygiene are the primary modes of transmission, water and air supply systems also provide a mode of transmitting harmful pathogens.

UVC HVAC Air Purification Systems

While maintaining regular cleaning and manual disinfection practices is crucial in hospitals, along with proper hand hygiene, germicidal UVC lamps in moving air applications are proven to disinfect and purify the air. Ultraviolet Devices, Inc, UVDI, offers HVAC air disinfection and purification systems with advanced UV technology. UV air disinfection eliminates viruses and bacteria with a kill rate up to 99% and UV air purification destroys volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and foul odors.

UV moving air applications include two basic systems for UVGI as a supplemental air cleaning measure:

Upper room air irradiation – UVGI lamps are wall mounted above an occupant’s level, usually 8 feet above the floor and irradiate the airflow in the room.  Upper room UVGI has been used in tuberculosis wards to inactivate TB and is also effective in patient rooms, emergency rooms, waiting rooms, hallways and anywhere patients could potentially spread airborne germs.

HVAC Duct Irradiation – UVC germicidal lamps placed inside HVAC and air handler ducts disinfect recirculated or outside air. UVC lamps in air handling units effectively eliminate microscopic organisms that are too small to filter yet are easily disinfected with UV light.

LightSources offers high-quality UVC lamps found in UV sterilization systems for hospitals including air disinfection UVGI mounted, HVAC and portable systems  Our UVC robot lamps are helping hospitals to improve patient and staff safety and prevent the spread of disease with effective surface sterilization.

LightSources provides UV lamp solutions to OEMs of all sizes, with high-quality UV lamps custom designed to meet your exact specifications. Our UVC germicidal lamps are found in water, air and surface sterilization systems worldwide. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our many UVC germicidal lamp solutions.  

Does Ultraviolet Radiation Kill the COVD-19 Virus?

 

Ultraviolet radiation is proven to kill viruses and bacteria and there have been many questions about the efficacy of UV light killing the novel coronavirus.  The current pandemic with the outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and people want to know if they can purchase UV lights for their home to help protect themselves and their family with effective sterilization.  Hospitals have been using UVC lamps in surface sterilization devices and UVC robots to further sterilize patient rooms and surfaces.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, answers your questions about UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus. 

UVC Radiation and the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus

UVC radiation is proven to destroy the SARS-Coronavirus, which is a different coronavirus than what causes COVID-19.  SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19 and given the newness of the virus there are many ongoing research studies to verify accurate dosage of UVC exposure including exposure duration and distance, which is key to effective sterilization with germicidal UVC lamps. 

Studies like this one by Boston University are showing promise with results that show a 99% reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus when UVC radiation is dosed at the right level.  This study shows that UV light will deactivate the coronavirus in 6 seconds when dosed at 5 mJ/cm2.  Another study conducted by Biological Consulting Services in Feb.2020, shows effective elimination of SARS-CoV-2 virus and many other stubborn microorganisms in UVGI irradiation with 99.99% effectiveness with 15 minutes of exposure.  With surface sterilization at direct exposure and UVGI air irradiation, hospitals can significantly improve the health of patients and prevent the spread of disease. 

Hospitals using UVC light to eliminate the spread of disease and consumers wishing to purchase UVC lamps to sterilize surfaces at home must remember that direct exposure is key.  UVC radiation will only kill microorganisms that are directly exposed to the UVC radiation emissions.  Inactivation of the virus on surfaces will not be as effective if blocked by shadows, dust, soil or organic compounds which absorb the UV light and reduce the efficacy of sterilization on the surface. 

LightSources Offers High-Quality UVC Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps found in numerous applications worldwide including hospital UV disinfection devices.  We design, engineer and manufacture UVC germicidal lamps to emit the exact wavelength required for your application needs.  We offer a wide selection of standard output, high-output, compact, specialty, amalgam lamps, ozone lamps and more.  

LightSources is a valuable supplier to OEMs worldwide with quality UVC germicidal lamps for air, water and surface sterilization.  We follow strict quality control procedures as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration, delivery quality lamp products on time.  Contact us to speak with an engineer about how LightSources can improve your supply chain with high-tech UVC germicidal lamps.

UV Light Prevents Grease Build Up in Kitchen Exhaust

 Kitchen hood exhaust systems in commercial kitchens serve a very important purpose, to pull grease particles up and away through mechanical filters.  Kitchen exhaust systems vent excess heat above kitchen stoves and extract grease particles, leaving smaller particulates that may linger in the hood exhaust system.  These kitchen exhaust systems can encounter grease build-up in the vents if they are not cleaned regularly or treated with UV light sterilization solutions. 

How Does UV Light Help Kitchen Hood Exhausts?

Ultraviolet (UV) light emits UV radiation, electromagnetic energy, and is harnessed in UV germicidal lamps used in a vast range of applications.  UV light is used to purify the air, disinfect water and sterilize surfaces.  Utilizing UV light in kitchen hood exhaust systems provides many benefits beyond sterilization.  Kitchen hood UV exhaust systems can actually prevent grease build-up in the exhaust duct work.  

UVC lamps break down grease through photolysis and ozonolysis. UV light causes a photochemical reaction, breaking down the molecular bond while ozonolysis oxidizes the grease molecules. By breaking down the grease particles, they are converted into particles that are much easier to clean and do not build-up grease in the kitchen hood.  

This brings many benefits to restaurant owners by mitigating the risk of a grease fire, which can often occur with grease build-up in the exhaust hood.  UV kitchen exhaust systems also help kitchens to meet stringent health department code regulations by helping to keep the kitchen cleaner.  This provides a better work environment for employees and helps to maintain health standards for patrons. 

UV Lamps are Key to Successful UV Sterilization Systems

Using the right UV lamps for your UV kitchen exhaust sterilization system is key to successful prevention of grease build-up and sterilization.  UV germicidal lamps designed to emit 254 nanometer (nm) are effective in sterilizing air and surfaces.  Ozone producing lamps emit UV energy at 185 nm and are commonly used in air and water disinfection applications, deodorizing the air and reaching places that standard UV radiation cannot reach. 

When searching for the best UV lamps for your sterilization application, contact an experienced UV lamp manufacturer like LightSources. 

LightSources leads the industry in UVC germicidal lamp production, with a wide range of low-pressure, amalgam and many other lamp types designed with proprietary technology.  We provide high-quality UVC lamps proven to outlast and outperform comparable lamps of the same size.  Contact us to learn more and for custom lamp requirements for your UV germicidal application.

Solutions for Challenges Facing Hospital Disinfection

 Disinfection practices in hospitals have always been of great concern with the number of patients carrying viruses and bacteria, and the potential exposure to patients with compromised immune systems.  Hospital acquired infections are infections that occur within the first 48 hour of being admitted to the hospital, within the first three days following a hospital discharge or within the first 30 days after an operation.  The Center for Disease Control, CDC, estimates that approximately one in every 25 of hospital patients in the U.S. contracts a hospital acquired infection (HAI).  Many HAIs are resistant to treatment with antibiotics and can lead to sepsis or even death. 

HAIs and disinfecting patient rooms are of great concern for hospital staff for many reasons:

• Patients being discharged may have had a contagious, serious viral or bacterial infection

• Incoming patients are already ill and may have a compromised immune system

• Hospital staff move from room to room and have a high potential to carry pathogens from one patient room to the next

Hospital Cleaning Practices

Hospitals take their cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting practices very seriously. Even with the most careful cleaning procedures, human error can contribute to less than sanitary conditions. Disinfecting patient rooms thoroughly can be challenging due to many factors such as:

• Using contaminated cloths which spread disease

• Using diluted disinfectant cleaning solutions

• Insufficient contact time of cleaners with surfaces

• Human error, cleaning staff can miss an area when manually cleaning

Adding UV Light Disinfection

Adding UV light disinfection to standard hospital cleaning practices has been proven to greatly increase sterilization success. UV light in shortwave UVC radiation quickly eradicates many viruses and bacteria with high efficacy and can reach into places that manual cleaning cannot access.  

UV germicidal lamp manufacturers design and engineer UVC lamps to emit the most powerful wavelength of UVC radiation at 254 nanometer.  UVC radiation penetrates the cells of viruses and bacteria, rendering them unable to replicate and leaving them harmless. High-quality UVC germicidal lamps are the key to effective UV sterilization.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps, with a wide range of UV germicidal lamp types.  We offer standard low-pressure mercury lamps, amalgam lamps with proprietary technology, Germipak, U-lamps and custom engineered solutions.  Contact us to learn more about our high-performance UV germicidal lamps.

How UV Light Keeps Kitchens Clean

 

Ultraviolet (UV) is a powerful disinfectant used in many applications to sterilize water, air and surfaces.  High intensity UV lamps eliminate harmful pathogens and break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  UV radiation in the wavelength of UVC ultraviolet light is highly effective at eradicating bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and can even break down grease buildup.  UVC germicidal lamps are being used in many residential, industrial and commercial applications such as restaurants and kitchens. 

UVC germicidal lamps can help to keep restaurants and kitchens clean in many areas such as:

• UV air purification for healthy air in eating areas

• UV surface sterilization over food preparation areas

• UV lamps prevent mold and mildew in walk-in freezers

• UV food irradiation to prevent foodborne illnesses

• UV lamps in kitchen exhaust to prevent grease buildup

Commercial kitchens utilizing UV germicidal lamps in kitchen hood exhaust systems experience cleaner kitchen exhaust without grease buildup which also reduces the risk of kitchen grease fires.  Kitchen hood exhausts with UVC lamps provide low-maintenance, self-cleaning technology to help restaurant owners provide a cleaner and safer kitchen and to meet stringent health department code regulations. 

How UV Lamps Eliminate Grease Buildup

UV lamps eliminate grease buildup through a chemical reaction called photolysis and ozonolysis.  Photolysis, or photodissociation, occurs when photons break down oxygen molecules to oxygen atoms, which combine with remaining oxygen molecules to form ozone. Ozone causes a reaction with the organic compounds found in the grease through a process called ozonolysis. Ozonolysis forms byproducts which are easier to clean and reduces grease deposits and buildup in kitchen hood exhaust and duct systems. 

LightSources Offers UVC Lamps for Commercial Kitchen Sterilization

LightSources and LightTech lead the UV germicidal lamp industry with a wide selection of high-performance UV sterilization lamps.  We offer low pressure mercury lamps, amalgam lamps, medium pressure UV lamps, as well as custom and specialty UV lamp solutions.  Our lighting engineers possess deep technical knowledge of UV radiation and technology, offering custom phosphor blends to meet your specific disinfection requirements. 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps engineered with proprietary UV technology.  Our LongLife+ extends lamp life to outlast and outperform comparable lamps while Shatter ProTech provides shatterproof technology to prevent mercury contamination and increase safety.  Contact us to learn more about our UV sterilization solutions for commercial kitchens and restaurants. 

Does UV Light Kill Superbugs Like MRSA?

 

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a powerful form of electromagnetic radiation that occurs naturally from the sun and is replicated in UV lamps.  UV light is emitted at wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum that fall between X-rays and visible light in the range of 10 to 400 nanometer (nm).  UV light is not visible to the human eye as it has a higher frequency and shorter wavelengths that images our brain can perceive. 

UV light is further broken down into UVA, UVB and UVC, with UVC wavelengths being the most powerful for germ killing action.  UVC light has been recognized for centuries as having powerful germicidal properties.  UVC light emitted at precisely 254 nm is known to quickly eradicate viruses and bacteria by penetrating the cells of microorganisms and altering the DNA to prevent replication.  

A cell that cannot replicate poses no threat and is no longer a harmful pathogen.  UVC germicidal lamps are known to effectively eliminate tough viruses, bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even mold, mildew and other harmful microorganisms. UV light is also proven to effectively eliminate some of the toughest superbugs out there like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), C. difficile, Acinetobacter and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hospitals are using UV light in many types of UV germicidal systems such as in HVAC units for cleaner air and in UVC robots to clean hospital rooms.  UVC radiation is proven effective on superbugs when exposed for the right amount of time, some germs are eradicated in seconds while others require a few minutes of exposure.  

LightSources Offers Effective UVC Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a world leading supplier of high-quality, high-performance UV lamps including a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps.  We offer low pressure amalgam lamps, low, medium and high pressure mercury lamps, ozone lamps, soft glass, quartz, and compact lamps.  Consider our quartz sleeves for protection, proprietary technology like Shatter ProTech shatterproof technology or LongLife+™ which extends lamp life up to 16,000 hours. 

LightSources leads the industry with high-tech lamp design and manufacturing including custom lamp engineering to meet your specifications.  We follow a strict quality policy to provide quality products delivered on time.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamp products and technologies. 

UVC Robots Are Making an Appearance in Many Places

 

UVC robots can vary in shape or size, from small handheld devices that float across countertops to large, autonomous robots that look like a big fancy space heater on wheels. The UVC germicidal lamps mounted to these robots are the key components in providing high levels of sterilization against many known harmful viruses, bacteria and pathogens. In light of current world events, many hospitals began incorporating UVC robots to sterilize patient rooms, bathrooms and hallways and other public places are taking notice.

You might now see a UVC robot making its way through an airport, in schools and on college campuses and are being utilized in jails and correctional facilities.  UVC radiation has long been known to eradicate many harmful germs including serious viruses, bacteria, and superbugs like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  UVC sterilization lamps are known to kill tuberculosis bacteria as well as SARS, a Cov-2 coronavirus strain. 

UV light emitted in the UVC wavelength precisely between 250 and 260 nm is proven to kill many harmful pathogens quickly and effectively. UV light emitted from roaming UVC robots can disinfect hard to reach places in much less time than it would take for a thorough human cleaning.  Combining standard human disinfection practices with UVC robots, however, is more effective than utilizing only one method of sterilization.

LightSources Is a Leading Supplier of UVC Robot Lamps

LightSources and strategic partner LightTech are leading global suppliers of high quality UVC germicidal lamps found in a multitude of sterilization applications worldwide.  We offer a wide selection of germicidal lamps in varying sizes and shapes designed for a multitude of germicidal applications.  

Our proprietary technology such as LongLife₊ which can be applied to all of our germicidal lamps, drastically extends product lifecycle while preventing accelerated depreciation which commonly occurs in high intensity lamps.

The LightSources group offers the world’s leading high-tech UV lamp designers and engineers. Our team is dedicated to extensive research and development and delivering effective, cost-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. Contact us to speak with an engineer and learn how to improve your UVC robot performance with longer-lasting, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps.