UV-C versus Covid-19

As our knowledge of COVID-19 continues to evolve, so does the range of tools that can be used to reduce the likelihood of transmission. Public distancing, masks and painstakingly decontaminating planes are all familiar means of combating the virus. Another fresh tool in this fight is ultraviolet - or UV-C - light. This range of light inactivates SARS-CoV-2, and some air purifiers use it as additional protection against living organisms. Here is what you need to know about air purifiers with UV-C and how they can help to reduce the degree of COVID-19 in the air.

Actually, what is UV-C, and how does it affect coronaviruses?

All understand that it is UV radiation, almost all do not know that it can be divided into different categories, denoted as UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. These categories reflect the effect of ultraviolet light of different wavelengths. UV-C contains the shortest wavelength spectrum, ranging from 100-280 nanometres. In this spectrum, UV-C light possesses antibacterial qualities. Thanks to its characteristic ultrashort wavelength, ultraviolet light C has the ability to ignore the chemical bonds of DNA molecules, which allows it to inactivate germs and bacteria rather effectively.

It has long been known that UV-C destroys coronaviruses of the same kind as SARS-CoV-2. The laboratory reference for these similar viruses is UV-C with a wavelength of 254 nanometres at a dose of 20 millijoules per square centimeter. However, because the SARS-CoV-2 is considered to be so fresh, most professionals recommend exercising prudence and applying a higher dose of UV light to ensure that it will be inactive.

Air purifiers with UV-C

When a UV-C lamp is installed in an air purifier, it ensures an auxiliary degree of protection against viruses, germs, and mold in the air. When the air passes through the internal illumination chamber of the purifier, it is exposed to UV-C light. This allows the purifier to reduce the number of these bio-contaminants. But almost all of these contaminants are still captured by HEPA filters meaning the UV-C lamp has the ability to provide additional peace of mind.

But wait, I thought that COVID-19 does not spread in the air?

Ever since COVID-19 became a global pandemic, experts, scientists, and health services have been arguing time and again about how the disease is spread. At various times, the leading modes of transmission have been through airborne droplets, coughing and sneezing of infected people, person-to-person contact and surface spread, among others. Notwithstanding the fact that it will be a long time before we are likely aristocrats, airborne transmission of the virus recently resurfaced as the driving force behind the pandemic.

Not long ago, a group of 239 professionals coalesced in a disclosed letter in which they warned that the evidence strongly suggests that COVID-19 is transmissible in aerosol form. As a result, the measures of public distance currently in use may not be sufficient to halt or slow the spread of the virus. The possibility of spreading germs via airborne droplets means that the proper implementation of face masks is even more crucial than it used to be. It also supports the introduction and use of air-cleaning technologies, which have the potential to reduce the number of germs in the indoor air.

What are some of the best UV air purifiers?

In case you are looking for a good UV-C air purifier, we have a number of models to choose from. Some of our best UV-C air purifiers are listed below for your convenience:

Do you have questions about which UV-C air purifier is right for your home? We're here to help! Don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to help you choose the right unit for your needs more than any other.