CEILING DEVICES
This device series couples the proven energy saving advantages of light-emitting diode (LED) technology with the proven germicidal disinfection advantages of ultraviolet light for top illumination and indoor air quality (IAQ).
The novel solution provides continuous surface and air disinfection. The patent pending device, that protects against disease transmission, purifies air by removing pathogens, particulates, and pollutants. The fixtures are laboratory tested and proven to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) and other viruses.
Product Highlights
Dimmable, Adjustable Power 20W – 30W -40W Adjustable Color Temperature (CCT) 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K
Available in 2′ x 4′ or 2′ x 2′ or Optional Custom Dimensions
Continues air disinfection while LED lights are ON or OFF.
Hidden UVC Light for Human Eye Safety Suitable for Standard Drop Ceilings Low noise operation Learn more about these LED Devices
Could a New Ultraviolet Technology Fight the Spread of Coronavirus?
Columbia researcher David Brenner believes far-UVC light—safe for humans, but lethal for viruses—could be a ‘game changer.’ By Carla Cantor April 21, 2020 Article Source
A technique that zaps airborne viruses with a narrow-wavelength band of UV light shows promise for curtailing the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in indoor public places.
The technology, developed by Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research, uses lamps that emit continuous, low doses of a particular wavelength of ultraviolet light, known as far-UVC, which can kill viruses and bacteria without harming human skin, eyes and other tissues, as is the problem with conventional UV light.
“Far-UVC light has the potential to be a ‘game changer,’” said David Brenner, professor of radiation biophysics and director of the center. “It can be safely used in occupied public spaces, and it kills pathogens in the air before we can breathe them in.”
The research team’s experiments have shown far-UVC effective in eradicating two types of airborne seasonal coronaviruses (the ones that cause coughs and colds). The researchers are now testing the light against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in collaboration with Thomas Briese and W. Ian Lipkin of the Center for Infection and Immunity in a biosafety laboratory on Columbia’s medical center campus, with encouraging results, Brenner said.
The team previously found the method effective in inactivating the airborne H1N1 influenza virus, as well as drug-resistant bacteria. And multiple, long-term studies on animals and humans have confirmed that exposure to far-UVC does not cause damage to the skin or eyes.
“Our system is a low-cost, safe solution to eradicating airborne viruses minutes after they’ve been breathed, coughed or sneezed into the air.”
If widely used in occupied public places, far-UVC technology has the potential to provide a powerful check on future epidemics and pandemics, Brenner said. He added that even when researchers develop a vaccine against the virus that causes COVID, it will not protect against the next novel virus.
“Our system is a low-cost, safe solution to eradicating airborne viruses minutes after they’ve been breathed, coughed or sneezed into the air,” Brenner said. “Not only does it have the potential to prevent the global spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, but also future novel viruses, as well as more familiar viruses like influenza and measles.”
Brenner envisions the use of safe overhead far-UVC lamps in a wide range of indoor public spaces. The technology, which can be easily retrofitted into existing light fixtures, he said, could be deployed in hospitals and doctors’ offices as well as schools, shelters, airports, airplanes and other transportation hubs.
Scientists have known for decades that germicidal UV light (wavelength around 254 nm) has the capacity to kill viruses and bacteria. Hospitals and laboratories often use germicidal UV light to sterilize unoccupied rooms, as well as other equipment. But conventional germicidal UV light cannot be used in the presence of people as it can causes health problems to the skin and eyes.
In contrast, far-UVC light, which has a very short wavelength (in the range from about 205 to 230 nm), cannot reach or damage living human cells. But these wavelengths can still penetrate and kill very small viruses and bacteria floating in the air or on surfaces.
Far-UVC lamps are now in production by several companies, although ramping up to large-scale production, as well as approval by the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency, will take several months. At between $500 and $1000 per lamp, the lamps are relatively inexpensive, and once they are mass produced the prices would likely fall, Brenner said.
“Far-UVC takes a fundamentally different tactic in the war against COVID-19,” Brenner said. “Most approaches focus on fighting the virus once it has gotten into the body. Far-UVC is one of the very few approaches that has the potential to prevent the spread of viruses before they enter the body.”
NEWS
May 4, 2020: Ultraviolet Light Kills Coronavirus, But Caution Required. Source: Facilities Net
“One safer option for using UV-C technology in occupied space is upper-room germicidal ultraviolet (GUV). In this application, UV-C fixtures are used to continuously irradiate the air above 7 feet from the floor”
AVAILABLE NOW
UPPER-AIR Devices. Note that this is based on the similar science of the In Room Wall Mount system described on this In Room page.
When used appropriately, ultraviolet radiation is very effective at killing or deactivating pathogens. It can also cause harm to humans, so care must be taken when evaluating new technologies racing to market in a bid to help mitigate the new coronavirus.
Facility managers are familiar with UV-C technology, used commonly to keep coils clean of biofilm or used in whole-room sanitation in healthcare. The key component to both of these common applications is that they are in unoccupied space. The UV-C wavelengths emitted by these more common fixtures will cause damage to human eyes and skin.
That said, as it is effective at its intended purpose, researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara are working on developing a UV-C LED. Current UV-C lamp technology is typically mercury vapor. Researchers began their study aiming for water disinfection applications, where LED’s efficiency, form factor, and durability would be extra beneficial.
One safer option for using UV-C technology in occupied space is upper-room germicidal ultraviolet (GUV). In this application, UV-C fixtures are used to continuously irradiate the air above 7 feet from the floor. Through either mechanical or natural air mixing in the room, this application boosts the amount of air that is being sanitized in the occupied room. An Illuminating Engineering Society report on GUV says that in two studies, upper-room GUV was show to be “80 percent effective against tuberculosis (TB) spread.” Care must be taken to turn off the fixtures before any work is done near the ceiling, or harm can occur.
More controversial is the use of ultraviolet radiation in occupied space in a downward fixture orientation. In some ways, the continuous disinfection of surfaces and air would be a desirable outcome, but there is a lot of unknown risk with these solutions. Researchers at Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research posit that far-UVC technology could be a way to kill pathogens in occupied space. It has a shorter wavelength than conventionally used UVC, and researchers say these wavelengths cannot penetrate living human cells. It has shown to be effective at inactivating airborne H1N1 influenza, drug-resistant bacteria, and two common airborne seasonal coronaviruses, according to researchers. While several manufacturers are working on coming to market with far-UVC products, FDA and EPA approval could still be several months away.
When evaluating germicidal applications for UV light at their facilities, facility managers will need to keep the particulars of their environment well in mind. Factors such as who is occupying the space and when, as well as desired outcome from the technology, will need to be weighed against potential risks. This article provides some of the questions to consider to find the best solution.
Naomi Millán is senior editor of Building Operating Management.
