UV & Health

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.

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.

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:

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