3 REASONS WHY UVGI TECHNOLOGY IS BETTER THAN CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS

Disinfecting is crucial to destroy germs and bacteria in offices, schools, and hospitals where there is a significant risk of contracting serious infections. It is essential to kill germs that are present on the surface of floors and in the environment. After COVID 19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency. As of 29th July, there have been 19,000 cases reported worldwide in 76 countries. The disturbing fact which has caught the attention of health officials and specialists is that more than 18000 cases have been reported in those nations where there have never been occurrences of monkeypox.

The most common disinfectants that can be used to eliminate germs are chemicals. Today, however, many environmental public settings worldwide, from health care facilities and hospitals to shopping malls and airports, are considering the implementation of UV technology devices for the disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and circulating air streams.

It almost seems too good to be true that UV technology can zap bacteria replacing harmful substances like bleach. UVGI technology and chemical disinfection products have the same motive—to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and germs that cause disease. However, there is a slight variation in their methods.

UVGI DISINFECTION VS. CHEMICAL DISINFECTION

UVGI DISINFECTION:

Since the 1800s, UV technology has been applied to ward off germs and other infectious diseases. In the food, hotel, and airline industries, as well as in water treatment, modern applications to kill microorganisms are already widely used. However, now with growing public health problems over COVID-19, interest in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has received renewed interest. In general, ultraviolet light is a type of light that is invisible to the human eye. There are other kinds of UV radiation, but UV-C, short-wave radiation with a wavelength between 200 and 280 nm, is the one most frequently applied in sterilization and disinfection processes.

At the heart of any UVGI system lies a UV-C light source, which can be UV LEDs or low-pressure mercury vapor lamps. UVGI technology zaps germs when light strikes surfaces, eradicating the DNA and RNA in infectious’ cells and preventing them from reproducing. The more wattage the UV lamp has the more intensity and effect for disinfection or sterilization the lamp will have.

Chemical Disinfection:

The chemical disinfection method uses chemical agents. Air disinfectants are chemical compounds used to disinfect airborne bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, disinfectants are not just for use on surfaces. In 1928, a study discovered that airborne pathogens could be eradicated using mists of dilute bleach. Further research in the 1940s and early 1950s demonstrated that a variety of bacteria, the influenza virus, and the Penicillium chrysogenum (formerly P. notatum) mould fungus could all be rendered inactive by the use of various glycols, primarily propylene glycol and triethylene glycol. Although glycols are efficient air disinfectants in controlled laboratory settings, using them successfully in real-world settings is more challenging since air disinfection is sensitive to ongoing activity. Continuous operation in real-world settings with outside air exchanges at door, HVAC, and window interfaces, as well as in the presence of materials that absorb and remove glycols from the air, presents engineering hurdles that are not essential for surface disinfection. Chemical disinfection does not necessarily destroy all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores.

WHAT MAKES UVGI TECHNOLOGY BETTER THAN CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS

• • UVGI STRENGTH #1:

Spaces that are difficult to clean with liquid cleaner, such as the air, are disinfected by UV.

Chemical disinfectants miss spots and some surfaces are unsafe to spray or wipe with liquid chemical cleaners. (such as keyboards, POS systems, and other electronics). Spraying and wiping down surfaces is intended to stop the spread of disease, however it is insufficient to address the problem of airborne pathogens. A solution to this problem has been the innovation of UVGI air disinfection technology. This has been a crucial technique for reducing hospital acquired infections since the middle of the 20th century. While chemical disinfectants can effectively sterilize surfaces when used as directed, UVGI air purification and disinfection systems are suited to preventing indoor airborne transmission.

• • UV STRENGTH #2:

UVGI technology reduces the toxicity of chemicals while leaving bothersome residue in its wake.
Most surface cleaners contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK) as a component to fight fungi, germs, and viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV and SARS-Cov-2). It is hazardous to the eyes and skin even though it is efficient against infections. Fish, aquatic invertebrates, and birds are severely harmed by high BAK residue levels. Research at the University of Waterloo found that UVGI technology could completely eliminate the toxicity of BAK, making it less risky for human health and the environment. Thus, investing in a UVGI air purification system improves indoor air quality which can reduce irritation from the smell and toxic ingredients in spray cleaners.

• • UV STRENGTH #3:

UV effectively destroys even bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and other chemicals.

Many chemical cleaning products are labeled as “antibacterial” or “antimicrobial. These cleaning products may kill most of the bacteria, but few may survive because they are more resilient. Then, the remaining bacteria continue to reproduce and multiply into more of the resistant strain of bacteria. This can produce a new and especially deadly strain that is resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants. UVGI technology solves the problem here: It can be used directly on surfaces after traditional disinfectants to prevent the reproduction of resilient microorganisms and it leaves no residue that builds up in the environment.

ALFAA UV SOLUTIONS

Alfaa UV’s Ultra Coil and Ultra Duct UVGI systems use world-class UVC lamps and unmatched Reflector Technology with UL Certification to ensure that all air passing through the system is disinfected as it re-circulates in indoor spaces. The design ensures 100% exposure of the air to the UVC system.

ASHRAE recommends that building managers and owners consider UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation). However, Alfaa UV recognizes the implications of protecting occupants from radiation, particularly in high-risk spaces such as senior living facilities, prisons, and hospitals. Alfaa UV’s ULTRACOIL ensures deep cleaning of coils in the safest and most eco-friendly way. Alfaa UV’s ULTRADUCT (Duct Mounted UVGI) solution provides assured single pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses. It is installed in supply or return ducts. Ultraduct also increases the life of HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) by reducing the load of live organisms.

CONCLUSION

UVGI technology addresses the shortcomings of conventional chemical disinfection, by lowering airborne disease transmission, the toxicity of chemical residue, and the occurrence of resistant microbes. UV technology may be used to disinfect a wider range of non-porous surfaces and even the air because it uses UV light to disinfect. UVGI technology is effective against bacteria that are resistant to chemicals and antibiotics. UVGI technology can reduce spray cleaner irritation and possibly make cleaners safer to use by neutralizing toxicity.

Watch this video for more information about the process and the product to see how these UVGI systems work. Call at +91-86579 23938 today.