With a correctly sized UVc lamp in close proximity to a surface, viruses and other microorganisms can begin to be inactivated immediately. The time it takes UVc to effectively disinfect is a function of the wavelength being used, the lamp intensity, the type of microorganism being targeted, and the distance from the source. When exposed to the energy emitted by UVc at the right intensity for a given amount of time, the DNA or RNA within viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms is disrupted, making them non-infectious. The easiest way to protect occupants while still using UVc is to shield them from direct exposure by either aiming the lamp away from them (as in an upper room configuration), locating it away from occupants (as in an in-unit HVAC application), or only operating the device when occupants aren’t present (with occupancy sensors) or during off hours surface cleaning applications. However, direct exposure still isn’t recommended. As such, UVc hasn’t been directly linked to harmful outcomes in a non-artificial (natural sunlight) situation. However, UVc wavelengths emitted by the sun are absorbed by our atmosphere, keeping their radiation from reaching Earth’s surface. UVa and UVb are widely known for their harmful effects on human skin and links to skin cancer (exposure to sunlight). UVc has been shown to have the greatest impact on inactivating microorganisms and such is the band used in UV disinfection applications. The UV wavelength spectrum includes four bands: UVa (315 to 400 nm), UVb (280 to 315 nm), UVc (200 to 280 nm), and UVv (10-200 nm). What’s the difference between UV and UVc? Ultraviolet or UV “light” is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, ranging from 100 nm to 400 nm. Below are some of the most common questions we’ve received. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Henderson Engineers Director of Engineering Dustin Schafer and many of our technical leaders, including Electrical Technical Director Sean Turner have been fielding questions relating to infection control technologies like UV disinfection.
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