Ultraviolet light possesses just the right amount of
energy to break organic molecular bonds. As micro-organisms pass by
the UV rays radiated from the ultraviolet lamp, this bond breakage
translates into cellular or genetic damage for micro-organisms,
such as germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi (like molds), etc. This
resulted in the destruction of the micro-organisms. The same damage
occurs to humans, but is limited to the skin and eyes.
UV and Health According to the
Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality has a
tremendous impact on people's health. Germicidal UV light has been
proven effective and utilized in numerous applications to improve
indoor air quality and therefore indoor environment.
The EPA states that indoor air pollution can be
much higher than the outdoor environment. In order to fight indoor
air pollution people who suffer from asthma or allergies attempt to
dust more, keep the windows closed, clean frequently but the
allergy or asthma symptoms usually still persist. One reason is the
presence of airborne germs, their particles and by products -
allergens or asthma triggers in the indoor air. These microbes are
considerably big factor in the indoor air pollution.
The airborne germs adversely affect the indoor
air quality as they are blown past the furnace or air conditioning
filter and circulated throughout the buildings. Ultraviolet light -
UVC - is mandatory in hospitals, laboratories, food processing
plants, any facility concerned with the indoor air quality as a
health factor. UV was incorporated by the U. S. General Services
Administration Office of the Chief Architect in The Standard for
the Public Buildings.
Numerous health studies have shown that
germicidal ultraviolet light - uvc - is very effective against
allergies, asthma, mold, mildew, fungi and any DNA based airborne
viruses, bacteria and spores. UV light can play a great role in
secondary allergy prevention especially where airborne allergens
are concerned. It can reduce suffering from allergies. The UV air
cleaners help control germs that make asthma worse. Ultraviolet
Germicidal Irradiation - UVGI is the use of short UV waves, known
as UVC, which has been proven to kill or inactivate tuberculosis in
the indoor air. There are two ways that UV lamps are used in indoor
air quality control - upper-room and in-duct ultraviolet germicidal
irradiation. Many airborne pathogens, such as Anthrax and it's
spores, can be removed from the indoor air by the use of germicidal
ultraviolet air purifiers.
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% kill 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 and
Mold
Mold and mold spores adversely affect indoor air quality (IAQ).
Health conscious people or those suffering from the presence of
mold in their homes need a certain level of knowledge and a lot of
effort to clean and keep their environment healthy. Different types
of mold - black mold, toxic mold, allergenic mold - are present all
the time around us and in the air we breathe. In low levels, molds
and mold spores are generally harmless but if their levels increase
they can affect people; especially people with allergies, asthma
and respiratory conditions or suppressed immune system.
Germicidal UV light (UVC) has been successfully utilized in
hospitals and public buildings to inhibit microbial growth,
spreading of infections and to increase the indoor air quality. UVC
can also help against mold problems by rendering airborne mold
particles and mold spores non-viable and even sterilizing surface
mold colonies if they are directly irradiated with germicidal UV
(UVC) light. Even the dead mold spores and mold particles can be
allergenic or toxic so it is strongly recommended to always use
germicidal UV light in conjunction with a HEPA filtration
system.
Mold Exposure Symptoms
Health problems related to poor indoor air
quality and/or exposure to mold:
* Respiratory problems
* Nasal & sinus congestion
* Burning, watery or reddened eyes
* Blurry vision or light sensitivity
* Dry, hacking cough
* Nose and throat irritation
* Shortness of breath
* Skin irritations
* Headache
* Memory problems
* Mood changes
* Aches & pains
* Nosebleeds
* Dermatitis
* Immune suppression
* Fatigue
* Chills/fever
