The outbreak of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, began in Wuhan, China, and has infected more than 75,000 people and killed more than 2,000 to date worldwide. The U.S. has 479 reported cases of coronavirus, said the CDC.
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.
This leave facilities everywhere asking the question, “How will the coronavirus affect my facility here in the United States?” While the coronavirus is affecting Chinese manufacturing, global trade and tourism, and public health fears, there are preventative measures that facilities can take right now. UVC lighting and disinfection services can mitigate the spread of illness.
According to a scientific study called, Coronavirus and UVC by Steril-Aire, “Previous Corona family of viruses have shared similar traits of vulnerability to UVC at varying dosage. Viruses that are airborne [similar to the coronavirus] can be safeguarded against with high doses of UVC in the Airstream.
For the most effective microbial control, UVC germicidal Emitters or UVC light disinfection systems are installed on the supply side of the system, downstream from the cooling coil and above the drain pan. This location provides more effective biofilm and microbial control than in-duct UVC installations.
The recirculating air in HVAC systems creates redundancy in exposing microorganisms [like the coronavirus] to UVC, ensuring multiple passes so the light energy is effective against large quantities of airborne microorganisms.
These UVC Light Disinfection systems can deliver high UVC output, driving HVAC system efficiency while improving indoor air quality.”*
Historically, UVC light disinfection has been clinically proven to eliminate bacteria and viruses for over 40 years. It has been used mainly to disinfect drinking water and sewage plants from E. coli. Several years ago, industrial facilities in the United States and Europe began installing UVC light disinfection systems in ductwork, air handlers, and coils.
Hughes Environmental has a whole host of UVC Light Disinfection services to fit your specific needs:
- UVC Lights to kill mold
- UVC Lights to kill viruses
- UVC Light Disinfection Wands
- Mobile Remote UVC Disinfection System
- Ceiling/Wall Mountable Germicidal UVC Systems
- UVC Lights for air handlers
- UVC Lights for AHUs
- UVC Lights for HVAC Systems
- UVC Lights for Odor Control
(Each system can be retrofitted to fit any large or small space.)
“It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but more really a question of when it will happen — and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” the CDC’s Dr. Nancy Messonnier said.
Facilities everywhere are preparing for the coronavirus with UVC lighting systems. Check out our UVC Light Disinfection service page for more information.
