There are a lot of consumers who are interested in the purchase of UV-C based devices because of the current outbreak of the novel Coronavirus. The UV light disinfection seems to be promising as compared to other methods of disinfection and it looks like that it has dug its claws deep into the disinfection industry.

After months of social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent hand washing, we have come up with some hope in the form of UV based devices. The Anti-germ Dome is thus a great choice as it is equipped with UV disinfection technology to keep your space safe and clean. But before you start using the device, have a look at what science and research says about the abilities of UV light disinfection, including its performance regarding Covid-19.

Science and research regarding UV disinfection

UV light has been used to reduce the spread of infections for decades. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted at varying wavelengths and according to the FDA, there are three main types which include UVA, UVB and UVC. The UVC light can damage the genetic material of the viruses and bacteria and thus it is being considered as an effective method to get rid of the deadly viruses. UVC also has a good track record against fighting Covid and there are several studies which report that UVC have effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2.

A study evaluates the effects of UVC based devices for disinfection of high touch surfaces such as those in hospital critical areas. It states that UV light can be effective for reducing the microbial burden and can be used as an infection control strategy. The UVC devices have proven to reduce microorganisms from common high-touch surfaces. Another report states that UV disinfection is an innovative technology and it has shown to eliminate HAI causing bacteria. These studies show that UVC light, combined with other cleaning procedures, can reduce the spread of nosocomial infections. This method may also help save money in the long term.

A detailed study examines the role of Ultraviolet-C disinfection method for the reduction of healthcare related pathogens. The reports suggested that significant reduction of bacteria on various surfaces in hospital rooms was noticed. The UV-based devices were effective in killing the healthcare-associated multi-drug resistant bacteria.

A group of physicists led by Dr. David Brenner at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City tested the UVC light (this light doesn’t penetrate the outer layers of the skin or eyes). These researchers found out that the UVC eliminated bacteria on various surfaces and surprisingly it didn’t harm the lab mice either. The group further studied the germicidal properties and they were surprised to see the killing efficiency of the UVC light.

Is there any research regarding Covid-19 and UVC radiation?

The UVC radiation is also called ‘safer UV light’ because it doesn’t penetrate into the human skin and eyes, instead it easily breaks into the microorganisms through their cellular walls. Many researchers have come forward with proof that UVC radiation is very effective in killing the Covid-19 virus. 

Study-1

A recent study conducted by the researchers of the Hiroshima University found that the Ultraviolet-C light of 222 nanometers wavelength kills the SARS-Cov-2 and is also very safe to be used around humans. This was the first research done to prove the effectiveness of the UVC radiation for killing the Coronavirus. 

The vitro experiment done by the HU researchers illustrated that 99.7% of the Coronavirus germs were killed after an exposure to the UVC radiation for 30 seconds. The experiment was done using a krypton-chloride excimer lamp and a microliter solution containing Coronavirus was spread on a plate. The study is also published in the American Journal of Infection Control. 

It should be noted that the 222 nm UVC is a safer alternative to the 254 nm as it can’t enter the non-living dead cells on the human skin and eye. So, its equally potent as the 254 nm UVC but is safer than it. 

Study-2

Another study was conducted at the Cranfield University to find out the effectiveness of UVC light; it was shown through computerised modeling that the UVC light can disinfect the air and improve the disinfection rate of the environment. The research was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Kirk Atkinson from Ontario Tech University in Canada and Dr. Andrew Buchan from Queen Mary University of London.

The UVC light has a unique property of losing energy more rapidly and can inactivate the pathogens without reaching out to the human cells. Dr. Kirk Atkinson further explained that if we placed a UVC light bulb into the normal light fixture, it would sterilize the air in that room without causing harm to anyone. The research is recently published in the Nature Scientific Reports where there are complete details regarding the study. 

Study-3

Another latest study done at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University Irving Medical Center proved that UVC light can greatly reduce the airborne viruses in indoor environments that are occupied by people. The study’s lead author David Brenner says that it may be safe and easy to use the UVC radiation in public places to decrease the risk of person-to-person transmission of the Covid-19 virus and other contagious diseases. 

Brenner further explained that the Coronavirus germs are spread through droplets, aerosols, and touch especially in places where there are more people in an indoor setting. The UVC radiation helps deal with such contamination in schools, offices, restaurants, gyms, theatres, hospitals, stations, and other public places. 

Verdict:

Going through all these studies and researchers, we can easily say that UVC light is proving to be a ‘game turner’ for disinfection. However, the radiation can only damage a pathogen if it is directly exposed to the radiation. The Anti-Germ Dome is installed on the door handle and it wipes off all the pathogens present on the surface to make sure that the spread of the disease is reduced to a great extent.