Are UV Air Purifiers Effective in Preventing Tuberculosis and Other Respiratory Issues?

Posted on October 26, 2022

India bears a 32% global burden of respiratory diseases. Among all respiratory diseases, Tuberculosis (TB) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) raise the most concern in India. They are caused by bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India led the count of 30 high TB burden countries which accounted for 86% of new TB cases in 2020. The Annual India TB Report states that there were 19.33 lakh new cases of TB in 2021, a 19% increase from 2020.
• The currently estimated cases of COPD are 55 million in India, the highest in the world. India’s COPD death rate is also among the world’s highest.

Then, other respiratory tract infections such as common cold, cough, sinus, and throat pain usually occur around the year.

While TB and other respiratory issues have several triggers, poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is one of the major causes. Various studies suggest that poor IAQ is a risk factor for TB. TB bacteria can live longer in damp and dark rooms with no ventilation or fresh air. The British Lung Foundation also finds a link between poor IAQ and COPD and lung conditions. An article published in Nature journal also states that indoor spaces with poor IAQ are prime hotspots for the transmission of coronaviruses.

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Impact of HVAC on Indoor Air Quality

The HVAC system is a key driving force of indoor air quality. Over time, the HVAC equipment may become home to viruses, bacteria, mold, and other microbiological organisms. When this happens, IAQ is likely to worsen.

Hence, Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) technology for HVAC equipment may be considered. The UVGI air sterilization will not only improve IAQ but also curb the transmission of respiratory illnesses.

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UV Air Purifiers – An Effective Way to Reduce Respiratory Illness

Are air purifiers effective in reducing respiratory illnesses like TB and COPD? How effective are air purifiers for COPD patients? The answer lies in UV air purifiers.

UV air purifiers are devices that are fitted with UV lamps. They remove indoor air pollutants that are responsible for TB and other respiratory issues. As the air passes over the UV light, harmful pathogens are eliminated. Clean and sanitized air then flows out into the room.

UVGI light can eliminate 99.9% of airborne bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When air purifiers with UVGI lamps are installed within the ductwork of the HVAC system, they kill and deactivate harmful microorganisms by emitting UV-C rays at a wavelength of 254 nm. UV disinfection is an inexpensive and environment-friendly method that has been used worldwide for more than a century. Various studies have shown that UV-C is very effective against airborne pathogens. ASHRAE and CDC even recommend using UV-C for airborne disinfection of SARS-CoV2.

Alfaa UV Solutions for UV Disinfection of Air

With more than 20 years of experience in UV technology, Alfaa UV has become a reputed name in the industry. It offers the latest, innovative UV sterilizer machines as well as UVGI solutions for surfaces, upper air, and HVAC applications to reduce the risk of infections.

You can consider the following Alfaa UV products for your HVAC system.

1. ULTRA COIL:
Ultra coil UV is helpful for deep cleaning of HVAC coils. It has a unique Parabolic Reflector System that proactively removes the biofilms to prevent air contamination and drain pans.

2. ULTRADUCT:
Ultraduct UV is useful for single-pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses. Installed in supply or return ducts, it also enhances the lifespan of HEPA filters in HVAC systems.

To install UVGI Technology in your HVAC systems, get in touch with Alfaa UV at +91-86579 23938.