In a previous article I talked about how ultraviolet technology can reduce energy and maintenance use in your HVAC system. Now we look at another benefit and that is a chemical free way to disinfect air and surfaces often resulting in reduced illness and absenteeism for the building's occupants.
Ultraviolet light uses UVC waves to destroy the DNA of DNA based organisms rendering the contaminant incapable of reproducing and thus in essence, quite dead. Most DNA based contaminants are killed in less than 20 seconds. DNA based contaminants are: bacteria such as MRSA, C. Diff and enterococcus (VRE) which is drug resistant; viruses such as influenza, ebola, enterovirus and pneumonia as well as those viruses whose name we do not recognize; yeast; mold; and fungus.
Using this technology in the various forms available can make offices, schools, waiting rooms, healthcare facilities, food processing and packaging safer for its occupants and users. It can be set up to disinfect air before it comes in and when it leaves a room as the air recirculates, and to clean air within a room and on most surfaces. It can irradiate food without harm to the food or the people who ingest it. It will only kill those pesky microorganisms that are harmful like E coli. The technology is extremely useful in assisting with some mold remediation and elimination of odors as well.
Since it is reducing the number of harmful microorganisms that are circulating in the air, when employed in the operation of a building, it has been found to reduce absenteeism which is a plus for employees and benefits the school environment. If you have a building you own or rent to others, it would be useful to incorporate this technology and perhaps gain the reputation of the "healthy building." It may help attract tenants and have a positive effect on the income of the building. These days everyone's awareness and fear of contagious disease is heightened with the spread of Enterovirus amongst children and Ebola just to name a couple. Whatever one can do to alleviate some fear and demonstrate concern and care for the occupants would probably be greatly appreciated.
Sherry Rivera is the managing partner of ENVIRRON, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Tags: