UV Light Air Purifier Facts & Studies
The U.S. government now specifies that UV light should be used in air handling units to improve indoor air quality in government buildings, by controlling airborne and surface microbial growth.
The Air Institute of Respiratory Education suggests UV lights be used in buildings for indoor air quality purposes, and states that may be the final line of defense against those diseases that have developed resistance to drugs, such as tuberculosis and others.
According to the Aerobiological Engineering Dept. at Penn State University, the ultraviolet component of sunlight is the main reason microbes die in the outdoor air. The die-off rate in the outdoors varies from one pathogen to another, but can be anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes for a 90-99% killing rate of viruses or contagious bacteria.
The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends UV lights in homeless shelters to prevent the spread of disease, particularly TB (tuberculosis).
A study by Air & Waste Management Association found the combination of a HEPA air filter and germicidal UV lamp reduced bacteria by 80% in a 3072 cubic foot chamber.
UV Light Air Purification Research Study
UV Lamps Reduce Worker Sickness
&This study tested 771 employees in three different office buildings. The UV lights, which were installed in the ventilation system, were operated in three cycles of four weeks on, twelve weeks off. Measurements showed a 99% reduction of germs on irradiated surfaces inside the ventilation system.
During some weeks, there was a 40% reduction in respiratory symptoms, and a 30% reduction in mucous problems in individuals examined. When the lights were activated, muscle complaints among nonsmokers were reduced by 50%, and work-related breathing problems decreased by 60%.
|
