YES. Some UV air sterilizers REALLY work.
Numerous health studies have shown that UV-C light in a specific wavelength and duration very effectively inactivates viruses, bacteria, molds, mildew and fungi by breaking down their DNA or RNA leaving them unable to perform vital functions or reproduce. UV light is also helpful in prevention of secondary allergies related to airborne allergens.
However, not all UV air sterilizers are the same, nor are all effective. Many make false or exaggerated claims
The three key factors to the effectiveness of UV light at inactivating airborne pathogens in a room are:
- UV-C Light Exposure Time. The exposure time or length of exposure of pathogens to UV Light for approximately half a second causes sufficient damage for inactivation. UltraV Care Air Sterilizers are highly effective because its 21-inch UV-C lamp chamber allows for extended exposure time. UltraV Care draws contaminants through the UV-C Lamp chamber where the spiral flow of the air inside forces exposure of contaminants to be long enough for inactivation.
- UV-C Intensity and Wavelength. The optimal UV-C wavelength for UV germicidal irradiation (UVCI) is 254 nanometers. UltraV Care uses high intensity (up to 180 watts) UV-C lamps at 254 nm to inactivate or kill the pathogens exposed to them as they move through the UV-C Lamp chamber.
- Proximity to the UV-C Light. The UltraV Care UV-C lamp chambers are specially designed with spiral air guides and reflectors. These keep harmful bacteria and viruses in close contact to the UV Light at all times for effective inactivation Many UV air purifiers being sold in the market today have insufficient UV lamp intensity, proximity and dwell time, making pathogen inactivation improbable. These devices that quickly pass air over small, low intensity UV lights are NOT effective and can give a false sense of security that puts users at risk.
Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 are RNA viruses enveloped in a lipid bilayer. UV-C light in the 254nm wavelength inactivates lipid viruses by damaging their DNA and RNA genetic material.
UV light’s germicidal effectiveness is influenced by UV intensity and its distance to the virus.
UV light is a known carcinogen that can harm the eyes and skin from just moments of direct exposure, so UltraV Care protects consumers from exposure to the UV light by enclosing the bulbs within the unit.
UltraV Care is completely safe for major reduction in ambient level of airborne coronaviruses in occupied spaces.
This is a major contrast to UV-C robots or ceiling mounted unshielded UV-C lights that can only be used in vacant rooms.
Research shows that in addition to viruses and bacteria, allergenic pollens, molds, fungi and harmful pollutants contribute to poor indoor air quality that causes respiratory and heart disease, cancer, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, headaches, dizziness and asthma.
UltraV Care air sterilizers are effective against harmful viral and bacterial pathogens (including multiple coronaviruses, H1N1, MRSA, pneumonia, strep, TB, measles, influenza, and the common cold), molds and fungi in addition to neutralizing odors, VOCs and other indoor pollutants, thereby promoting good sleep.
Myths & Misconceptions
Fact: The effectiveness of UV light at inactivating viruses and bacteria has been well documented scientifically for decades. In fact, the CDC recommends UV light as a supplemental infectious control method for hospitals on pathogens including Tuberculosis.
Fact: MOST UV air sterilizers blow air so quickly past UV lights without sufficient exposure time and proximity to inactivate the harmful pathogens. Many also use UV lights that are too weak to be effective. However, UltraV uses the spiral air flow guides with reflective surfaces to bring pathogens in close proximity to the powerful 90watt UV-C lamps for longer duration, resulting in inactivation of more than 95% of pathogens and reduction in
VOCs.
Fact: There are UV air purifiers that produce ozone but UltraV Care is NOT one of them.
Some people confuse ionizer air purifiers with UV air sterilizers. UltraV Care is NOT an ionizer. An ionizing air purifier’s corona discharge produces ozone, a known irritant of the lungs and respiratory system.
Many American states including California, Minnesota, and Texas have published guidelines on air purifiers that produce ozone.
Fact: Many dangerous viruses are smaller than 0.1 micron and can pass through the typical HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap, but do not necessarily kill live pathogens. HEPA filters may accumulate viruses, bacteria and fungal spores over time, exposing the people to literally a petri dish of pathogens and allowing the opportunity for them to be reintroduced to the area during filter changes. HEPA systems also circulate over live viruses and if the filter is not sealed tightly, leaks may occur whereby live pathogens could be recirculated into the air.