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Given the outbreak of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the demand for ultraviolet-C (UV C) light sterilizers for disinfect has skyrocketed in residences, commercial and industrial spaces.  

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has received renewed interest after being underutilized for decades. A long history of investigations concluded that when used appropriately, UVGI is highly effective in disinfecting air and preventing the transmission of airborne infections.  

This article sheds light on UVGI for air disinfection commonly used in UV-C light sanitizers and UV sterilizers, applications of UV sterilization lamps in air sanitizers and ending with the best option available.  

How does UV-C light sanitizer prevent the spread of airborne diseases including the SARS-CoV-2?  

The UV sterilization lamp in a UV light sterilizer emits shortwave UV-C radiation (at 254 nm) which effectively kills or inactivates microbes by damaging their DNA.  

When the absorption of photons forms pyrimidine dimers between adjacent thymine bases, it renders microbes incapable of replication.  

Source 

UVGI is used to disinfect the air, water and surfaces. Air disinfection using UV-C radiation has emerged as a very effective option with the onset of COVID-19, though it has been used aggressively for air disinfection in the healthcare space for decades.  

There are several methods of UVGI air disinfection such as – irradiating the upper room, irradiating the full room and irradiating air as it passes through heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.  

UV sterilization lamp in a UV light sterilizer is recommended by regulatory bodies such as CDC and ASHRAE in preventing the spread of airborne infections including SARS-CoV-2. As per a study published in 2018, UV-C light was effective in killing the airborne H1N1 – the most common strain of flu virus.  

What is the difference between air purification and air sanitization and which one is a better option?

The detrimental effects of inhaling polluted air can be far reaching, starting from something as basic as allergies, but go on to leading to asthma and other respiratory, cardiac, immune and mental illnesses. In addition, it also impacts your general wellness, productivity and the quality of sleep.  

When it comes to keeping indoor air clean, air sanitization is proving to be one of the most effective ways in today’s air pollution levels.. The key difference between air purifiers and air sanitizers lies in how they work.  

Air purification is cleaning the air through principles of filtration and the aim is to clean airborne contaminants.  

On the other hand, air sanitization uses air purification in combination with UV light or ionization to completely disinfect the air we breathe. They can remove both airborne pollutants, pathogens and surface contaminants at the same time. As a result, UVC light sanitizers or UV light sterilizers inactivate bacteria, viruses, mold, organic pathogens and microorganisms.  

The benefits of using UV-C light sanitizers or UV light sterilizers are: 

• Reduce chances of diseases – As air sanitization eliminates viruses, bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. 
• High-efficiency purification – Removes even the tiniest of airborne particles (as small as 0.3 to 0.1 microns in size). 
• A low initial pressure drop makes it an environmentally friendly option. 
• Affordable solution as compared to alternate air purification technologies available today.. 

UVGI in HVAC systems by Magneto CleanTech 

Magneto CleanTech has a wide range of UV light sanitizers that can be used as standalone products and also be integrated with existing air conditioning units. They are: 

#1. Upper room UVGI – To reduce the severity of acute disease outbreaks, upper room UVGI is mounted at ceiling heights of atleast 8 feet to allow safe and effective application. The UVC light sanitizer is designed to interrupt the transmission of airborne pathogens in indoor environments. 

#2. UVGI on-coil and in-duct – For air conditioning systems, Magneto’s UVGI on-coil and in-duct solutions work great. While the UVGI on-coil is mainly used to keep the coil clean and disinfected ensuring safe and healthy air passes through the system, the in-duct UV sterilization lamp constantly purifies and disinfects the air being circulated. You can customize Magneto’s UV light sanitizer as per the irradiance dosage, contact time and microbial count. 

#3. Magneto Central Air Cleaner (MCAC) co-powered with UVGI – MCAC is an advanced multi-stage UVC light sanitizer that can integrate with any air conditioning system and sanitize indoor air on a continuous basis. The “Trap and Kill” technology used by this UV light sterilizer inactivates and destroys 99% of microbes, viruses, PM2.5 and bacteria. Magneto’s MCAC UVC light sterilizer is widely used for air sterilization in all kinds of indoor spaces. 

Conclusion 

Magneto CleanTech’s UV light sterilizers or UVC light sanitizer for HVAC are the best air sanitization options to completely sanitize the air you breathe indoors. Recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, these products are ISO 16890 certified and have commercial, residential and industrial applications.