Research conducted by scientists from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and from the United Kingdom showed that far ultraviolet rays (UVC) It may be an effective passive technology to reduce transmission of airborne diseases (eg SARS-CoV-2) and influenza.
Far UV rays rapidly reduce the amount of active microorganisms in indoor air to nearly zero, making indoor air essentially as safe as outdoor air. Applying the technology in places where people congregate indoors could prevent another potential pandemic, said Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research of Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and co-author of the study.
air purification indoors with Long range UV rays It is a new approach for the safe and effective destruction of airborne viruses, incl. Influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Scientists have known for a long time that a type of ultraviolet light is known as UV rays Quickly kills microorganismsIncluding bacteria and viruses. However, conventional germicidal UV light cannot be used directly to destroy airborne viruses in confined spaces because it poses a potential risk to skin and eye health.
About a decade ago, scientists at Columbia University suggested that a type of ultraviolet light known as ultraviolet light Equally effective in destroying bacteria and virusesBut don’t worry about the safety of traditional germicidal UVC light.
Therefore, UVC light has a shorter wavelength than traditional germicidal ultraviolet rays Do not penetrate into the cells of the skin or eyes. It is equally effective at killing bacteria and viruses much smaller than human cells.
Over the past decade, numerous studies around the world have shown that far ultraviolet rays are effective in destroying bacteria and viruses in the air without harming living tissue. However, to date these studies have only been performed in small experimental chambers, and not in full-size chambers that mimic real conditions. New research shows high Far UVC efficiency under real conditions. The scientists tested the effectiveness of far-UV rays in a large room the size of a room with the same rate of ventilation as in a typical home or office (approximately three air changes per hour).
During the experiment, the sprayer continuously shot mist into the room S. aureus haze They are less sensitive to far UVC light than coronaviruses. When the concentration of microbes in the room stabilized, the researchers turned on commercially available UVC far-overhead lights.
It turns out that They neutralized more than 98 percent. Airborne microbes in less than five minutes. The low level of viable microorganisms persisted for a long time, although the spraying of bacteria persisted in the room.
Our attempts have achieved impressive results that far exceed the possibilities of ventilation itself. Dr Kenneth Wood of the University of St Andrews and lead author of the study said that when it comes to preventing airborne transmission, far-UV lamps can make indoor spaces as safe as being outside on a golf course on a windy day in St Andrews. .
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