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How UVGI Technology Has Become an Uprising Solution for Our Air Safety

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds its guideline limits and outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million deaths every year. Outdoor air pollution has been a major safety and health concern for decades. However, indoor air pollution has also emerged as a serious health threat, resulting in millions of deaths every year. In fact, research shows that indoor air can be deadlier than outdoor air. People who live in cities spend 90% of their time indoors and breathe indoor air.

Biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and mildew are primary sources of indoor air pollutants. When these contaminants become airborne, they can spread and trigger allergic reactions and disease-causing toxins.

Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has the following adverse health effects:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Nose and throat irritation
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Lung infections
  • Heart ailments
  • Asthma
  • Watery eyes and redness

If these air safety concerns weren’t already burdensome, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation further. According to WHO, coronavirus spreads from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they breathe, speak, cough, sneeze, or sing. When these infectious particles pass through the air at a short distance, another person can contract the virus. These particles can remain airborne for hours, especially in indoor settings with poor ventilation. 

Research has also found that both short-term and long-term exposures to air pollution may be important aggravating factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 severity and lethality through various mechanisms. It is evident that air safety needs a proactive approach to reduce its health risks and coronavirus spread. This is possible only by paying attention to air sanitation.

Approaches to Air Sanitation

There are two primary approaches to air sanitation:

1. Ventilation

Open doors and windows every day to let in the natural and clean air. Natural ventilation will improve indoor air exchange.

2. HVAC and Air Purification Systems

Install high-efficiency HVAC and air purification systems to trap air pollutants and prevent them from entering the indoor air. This way, they reduce the health risks and likelihood of airborne diseases. They also neutralize foul odors.

However, coils, filters and ductwork of HVAC and air purification systems tend to accumulate dust, debris, biofilms, mold, microorganisms, and other pollutants. This may lower the quality of filtered and recirculated air. Hence, it is important to clean them at regular intervals.

The issue is that pollutants may still leave some residue in HVAC systems despite thorough cleaning. In such a scenario, powerful technology such as Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) can be effective for air sanitation. 

What is UVGI?

UVGI is a proven and advanced air purification technology for air, water, and surface disinfection. It uses UV-C (200-280 nm) to destroy airborne pathogens and inactivate them by hindering their reproduction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that UVGI kills viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms.

When UVGI is installed in HVAC systems, it completely removes organic build-up, biofilm and other polluting agents on the coils, filters, and ductwork. This massively maximizes the efficiency of HVAC systems and extends their lifespan. UVGI reduces maintenance costs significantly.

UVGI is also effective in reducing indoor coronavirus transmission. A study shows that SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in the air are likely to be susceptible to UV-C. Hence, UVGI is considered an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safe solution for air safety and hygiene. 

Overall, UVGI can not only provide clean and safe air but also alleviate indoor air-related sicknesses.

How Can Alfaa UV Products Help?

Alfaa UV’s Ultra Coil and Ultra Duct UVGI systems use world-class UVC lamps and unmatched Reflector Technology with UL Certification to ensure that all air passing through the system is disinfected as it re-circulates in indoor spaces. The design ensures 100% exposure of the air to the UVC system. 

Get in touch with Alfaa UV today.