Does Ultraviolet Radiation Kill the COVD-19 Virus?
Ultraviolet radiation is proven to kill viruses and bacteria and there have been many questions about the efficacy of UV light killing the novel coronavirus. The current pandemic with the outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and people want to know if they can purchase UV lights for their home to help protect themselves and their family with effective sterilization. Hospitals have been using UVC lamps in surface sterilization devices and UVC robots to further sterilize patient rooms and surfaces.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, answers your questions about UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus.
UVC Radiation and the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus
UVC radiation is proven to destroy the SARS-Coronavirus, which is a different coronavirus than what causes COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19 and given the newness of the virus there are many ongoing research studies to verify accurate dosage of UVC exposure including exposure duration and distance, which is key to effective sterilization with germicidal UVC lamps.
Studies like this one by Boston University are showing promise with results that show a 99% reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus when UVC radiation is dosed at the right level. This study shows that UV light will deactivate the coronavirus in 6 seconds when dosed at 5 mJ/cm2. Another study conducted by Biological Consulting Services in Feb.2020, shows effective elimination of SARS-CoV-2 virus and many other stubborn microorganisms in UVGI irradiation with 99.99% effectiveness with 15 minutes of exposure. With surface sterilization at direct exposure and UVGI air irradiation, hospitals can significantly improve the health of patients and prevent the spread of disease.
Hospitals using UVC light to eliminate the spread of disease and consumers wishing to purchase UVC lamps to sterilize surfaces at home must remember that direct exposure is key. UVC radiation will only kill microorganisms that are directly exposed to the UVC radiation emissions. Inactivation of the virus on surfaces will not be as effective if blocked by shadows, dust, soil or organic compounds which absorb the UV light and reduce the efficacy of sterilization on the surface.
LightSources Offers High-Quality UVC Germicidal Lamps
LightSources is a leading global supplier of high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps found in numerous applications worldwide including hospital UV disinfection devices. We design, engineer and manufacture UVC germicidal lamps to emit the exact wavelength required for your application needs. We offer a wide selection of standard output, high-output, compact, specialty, amalgam lamps, ozone lamps and more.
LightSources is a valuable supplier to OEMs worldwide with quality UVC germicidal lamps for air, water and surface sterilization. We follow strict quality control procedures as part of our ISO9001:2015 registration, delivery quality lamp products on time. Contact us to speak with an engineer about how LightSources can improve your supply chain with high-tech UVC germicidal lamps.