1/25/21 - Zoro Staff
A lot of science, engineering, and tech companies today are focusing on either developing or perfecting new sanitizing inventions. While infectious diseases have always been a concern, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to society’s need for viable ways to kill pathogens. From an antimicrobial powder additive for paint to high-pressure carbon dioxide to safely sanitize food, healthcare, manufacturing, and business sectors are ready to embrace the best and brightest solutions. One of the most promising is ultraviolet-C light, also known as UVC light. Let’s look at how UVC lamps work and if any UVC light effects could make a difference in the fight against COVID.
UVC Light and Its Effect on Pathogens
UVC light (or germicidal light) is part of the ultraviolet light spectrum. Most people are familiar with UVB and UVA light from the sun—these are the types of UV rays that are known to damage cells and increase skin cancer risk. Most sunscreens are made to protect against both of these types of sunlight.
UVC is the third type of ultraviolet light. It’s also the most intense. Ultraviolet-C refers to short-wave UV light within the 100- to 280-nanometer range. Because the UVC light from the sun has more energy than medium- and long-range UVB and UVA rays, it doesn't actually penetrate the atmosphere. Instead, it reacts with the earth’s ozone layer and never reaches the ground.[1]
This type of UV light can damage cells as UVB and UVA light can, but it can also harm pathogens. UVC lamps are used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other germs on surfaces, in water, and in the air. The light doesn’t technically kill microbes. What it does is deactivate DNA and RNA, stopping pathogens from replicating.[2]
Are UVC Lamps Effective for COVID-19?
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, ultraviolet-C can destroy the outer protein coating of SARS-Coronavirus, which is another type of coronavirus.[3] Researchers haven’t conducted enough research to verify if UVC light effects SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in the same way; however, there is promising circumstantial evidence.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City is using UV lamps at night to sanitize subway cars and buses. One hospital in Italy uses UVD robots—autonomous robots that move through rooms and shine UVC light. Since using the robots, zero doctors, nurses, or patients at the hospital have been infected with COVID.[4]
To effectively inactivate viruses, the pathogen has to come into direct contact with the light. If there’s anything blocking the light, such as dirt or dust, it won’t work.
In addition to direct exposure, the amount of UVC light and the duration of the exposure make a difference. A low-dose UVC lamp manufactured for residential use, for example, won’t be as effective as an industrial-grade UVC robot.
Using Ultraviolet-C for Everyday Disinfecting
Because UVC light can damage human cells as well as pathogens, it’s not completely safe. If a UVC lamp is installed incorrectly and someone is exposed directly, it can burn the skin and cause eye injuries. This is why hospitals and other organizations employing UVC robots and lamps use the light when no one is present.
Also, some of these lamps contain mercury, a substance that’s toxic even in small amounts. If you do decide to use a UVC disinfecting lamp to help sanitize your workplace, carefully dispose of any broken bulbs.
Far-UVC Light Effects
A research team at Columbia University came up with the concept of far-UVC, which is a subset of ultraviolet-C light that may be safer for humans. This segment of UV light is absorbed by dead skin cells and nonliving surface layers of the eye. This barrier of dead cells protects living cells, but as pathogens don’t have a protective layer, they’re still vulnerable to far-UVC light.
If you’re looking into using an ultraviolet-C disinfecting lamp for your business, do so safely. OSHA has specific rules to protect workers from the health risks of harmful UV light, which is found in germicidal lamps, as well as welding arcs, copy machines, UV lasers, and other devices.
There are also plenty of other, safer workplace sanitizing methods. Regular deep cleans followed by disinfecting can help to kill viruses and bacteria. Having your HVAC system cleaned and using high-quality filters can also prevent the spread of germs in the air. There’s a lot you can do, whether or not you decide to use high-tech sanitizing devices such as UVC lamps.
[1] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/uv-radiation.html
[2] https://ultraviolet.com/what-is-germicidal-ultraviolet/
[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/business/fighting-covid-19-innovative-tech.html
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.