GUV and Coronavirus FAQs
This page offers answers to commonly asked questions regarding the use of Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) to inactivate viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and fungi.
This page offers answers to commonly asked questions regarding the use of Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) to inactivate viruses, bacteria, mold spores, and fungi.
What is guv?
Germicidal UV (GUV) refers to short-wavelength ultraviolet “light” (radiant energy) that has been shown to kill bacteria and spores and to inactivate viruses [1].
CAN GUv kill viruses and bacteria?
YES. Although technically a virus is not a living organism, therefore the correct thing to say would be "inactivates viruses". UVC destroys the RNA and DNA molecules in a virus or bacterium, rendering it non-infectious.
CAN UVC kill/inactivate the covid-19 virus?
YES. If the virus is exposed to UVC at the correct dose level, the COVID-19 virus can be inactivated. To read more about the actual dosage required to eliminate Covid-19 from the air please click here.
UVC can play an effective role with other methods of disinfection. Individuals need to be protected to prevent UV hazards to the eyes and skin. UVC CANNOT BE USED TO DISINFECT YOUR HANDS!
UVC can play an effective role with other methods of disinfection. Individuals need to be protected to prevent UV hazards to the eyes and skin. UVC CANNOT BE USED TO DISINFECT YOUR HANDS!
HOW IS COVID-19 SPREAD?
According to the CDC the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, research is underway to determine the degree of airborne spread—meaning virus in particles so small that they remain suspended in air. Such aerosol results from the evaporation of larger respiratory particles generated by coughs, sneezes, ordinary speech, singing, and possibly by faulty plumbing systems, as occurred with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus.
How much of the virus responsible for COVID-19 is spread by the airborne route is not clear, but recommendations for healthcare workers to use fitted respirators, not surgical masks, reveal official concern for airborne transmission.
How much of the virus responsible for COVID-19 is spread by the airborne route is not clear, but recommendations for healthcare workers to use fitted respirators, not surgical masks, reveal official concern for airborne transmission.
HOW long can covid-19 stay airborne?
A study done by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' Laboratory of Virology in the Division of Intramural Research in Hamilton, Montana helps to answer this question. The researchers used a nebulizer to blow coronaviruses into the air. They found that infectious viruses could remain in the air for up to three hours. The results of the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 17, 2020 [2].
can guv disinfect the air?
Commonly used GUV lamps generate predominantly 254-nm UV radiant energy, which is close to the peak germicidal wavelengths of 265 to 270 nm – both in the UV-C range, compared to the longer-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-A and UV-B) in sunlight. GUV radiant energy damages nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), thus preventing replication and leading to the death of virtually all bacteria and inactivation of all viruses—both DNA and RNA types. Bacteria and viruses vary somewhat in UV susceptibility, with environmental organisms, fungal spores, and mycobacteria being relatively harder to kill than more rapidly replicating and non-environmental microbes and most bacteria. But even fungi are effectively killed with high-dose UV, which is used, for example, to treat fungal contamination of air conditioning systems. GUV can be most effectively used to disinfect air in the upper room where ceiling height permits, but can also be used in ventilation ducts and room air cleaners [1].
How can arctic air help me?
Arctic Air has been selling UV solutions for over 10 years. We offer two main forms of disinfection:
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1. UV Emitters installed at the air conditioner cooling coil. The recirculating air in HVAC systems creates redundancy in exposing microorganisms to UVC, ensuring multiple passes so the light energy is effective against large quantities of airborne microorganisms. Steril-Aire UVC delivers the highest UVC output, driving HVAC system efficiency while improving indoor air quality. Click here for more information. |
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2. Stand-Alone Air Purifiers (CURRENTLY SOLD OUT) The Steril-Zone Room Air Purifier combines three scientifically proven technologies - germicidal UVC, activated carbon and HEPA-style filtration - to provide a safe, effective and energy-efficient way to clean the air in rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Click here for more information. |
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Why steril-aire UVC?
Higher output means sustained antimicrobial action. A minimum 99.9% inactivation of microorganisms requires a specific dose of UVGI energy. Steril-Aire UVGI emitters are proven to sustain higher intensities over a longer period of time as compared to other’s products.
Independent testing proves performance superiority. Independent testing has proven that our emitters deliver up to 7 times more energy than competitor products and last 4 times longer in the cool and damp HVAC environment.
Independent testing proves performance superiority. Independent testing has proven that our emitters deliver up to 7 times more energy than competitor products and last 4 times longer in the cool and damp HVAC environment.
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This past March, Dr. Andrea Bianco, and 14 scientists studied the effect of UVC on Covid-19 and published a peer-reviewed paper. In the White Paper, she provides the actual dosage of UVC needed to achieve a 99.9% kill and complete eradication of Covid-19 in the air. That dosage is delivered when using a UVC system from Steril-Aire. This is no surprise since we offer the highest output UVC lamps on the market. Click here to read the White Paper. |
Want to learn more about Steril-Aire's Ultraviolet Emitters and how they work?
Visit our Indoor Air Quality page for informative videos, photos, and more. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us via phone, email, or social media.
DISCLAIMER
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak is a rapidly developing situation. We encourage all visitors to our website to follow the guidelines set forth by our governing body and the Ministry of Health. The information here was obtained from publicly available sources which are referenced below.
As there is yet much to learn about COVID-19, Arctic Air makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of information contained in these FAQs, and disclaims liability for any injury to persons or property or other damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon this information.Further, the information contained herein is provided for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.
References:
[1] IES Photobiology Committee, "IES Committee Report: Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) – Frequently Asked Questions", Illuminating Engineering Society. 5/5/2020. Web. 7/7/20.
https://media.ies.org/docs/standards/IES%20CR-2-20-V1a-20200507.pdf
[2] "COVID-19 Basics" Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-basics