Researchers Have Modelled the Processes That Ultraviolet Lamps Sanitizing Light Triggers

People tend to stay indoors more frequently when the winter chill hits, which provides prime opportunities for airborne pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza to spread.

While germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lamps can aid in air purification, their UVC wavelengths have the potential to change airborne compounds into potentially dangerous substances.

However, there is no evidence that there is a trade-off between the production of air pollutants and the removal of viruses as a result of UVC sanitizing light reactions being modeled by scientists.

A trade-off between disinfection and air quality

(Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Germicidal UV lamp systems, also known as disinfecting UVC lamp systems, have long been a practical and affordable way to quickly destroy indoor airborne pathogens, as per ScienceDaily.

One design requires the devices to be mounted near the ceiling or inside ventilation ducts because it uses lamps that emit light at a wavelength that is harmful to people's skin and eyes (254 nm).

It has recently been suggested to use light at 222 nm for whole-room disinfection because the wavelength is thought to be safer for people.

UVC light, however, can cause a variety of reactions.

For instance, it is known that this kind of light can cause air molecules to disintegrate and produce potent oxidants like hydroxyl radicals and ozone.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are already present in the air can then be changed by these oxidants into peroxides and carbonyl compounds, which can then be further broken down by UVC light into organic radicals.

It is known that organic radicals and strong oxidants undergo secondary reactions to produce more VOCs and particulate matter, some of which may be harmful to people's health.

However, no research had been done on the potential levels of compounds produced by these GUV systems' secondary reactions.

To assess the potential effects that the two types of UVC air cleaning systems could have on air quality and disinfection in typical indoor conditions, Zhe Peng, Shelly Miller, and Jose Jimenez decided to use computer models.

The researchers used computer simulations to calculate the removal rates of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the quantity of secondary VOCs that would be produced in three indoor scenarios with various room ventilation rates.

Initial findings suggested that when compared to ventilation alone, both UVC wavelengths would significantly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The systems were also predicted to start secondary reactions with the VOCs that were anticipated to be present in indoor air by the models.

The estimated levels weren't insignificant, even though it was anticipated that only trace amounts of secondary VOCs, ozone and particulate matter would be produced.

The team advises using GUV systems in environments with a high risk of airborne pathogen transmission, where the advantages of removing these microbes outweigh the drawbacks of the additional air pollutants.

The findings of this study, however, are limited to the conditions selected for the computer models, which could differ in real-world settings, the researchers point out.

Also Read: Study Uses Ultraviolet Light From the Sun To Convert Carbon Dioxide Into Other Usable Materials

Benefits of Using UV Light for Disinfection

UV light disinfection is a fantastic addition to other techniques because it uses ultraviolet technology to eliminate all germs and bacteria more quickly, as per Violet Defense.

Some companies are hesitant to give it a shot, but at Violet Defense, they are confident that the advantages outweigh the costs by a wide margin.

Being non-toxic is arguably the most significant advantage of UV light disinfection.

UV light is environmentally friendly, as opposed to the harsh chemicals that are occasionally used in cleaning and sanitization products.

Disinfection by UV light is a physical, not a chemical, process.

The fact that using a UV light for disinfection can be much more effective than other methods is the second major advantage.

Numerous harmful organisms are destroyed by UV light.

If you've been keeping up with the news about antibiotic-resistant bacteria, you're aware of the disastrous effects that some conventional antimicrobial agents and disinfectants have had.

The emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is a serious issue for the medical industry.

The next advantage of UV light disinfection is that the developed technologies can remain in place in guest rooms, prepared for use when necessary.

Related article: Ozone Layer and Ultraviolet Radiation: Current Situation