What is UVGI Air Purifier?
Air purifiers are required to clean indoor air.
The Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air has much higher levels of pollutants and irritants as outdoor air—two to five times higher. The agency has also listed indoor air as one of the five largest environmental risks to public health. Clearly, an indoor air purification system is necessary. But with all the options available, how do people choose an air purification system that is right for them? Why not go with the type of system that is used in hospitals and other medical facilities? Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air purification, when used correctly, results in a whopping 99.9% reduction of microorganisms in the air.
What is Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation?
Put simply, the UVGI air purifier uses ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms. It has been known for years that ultraviolet radiation kills many types of microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, mold, viruses and other bothersome microorganisms have less UV protection than humans do. Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation, and at short wavelengths, UV radiation destroys bacteria and other pathogens. UV radiation kills microorganisms by destroying their DNA: the radiation breaks the molecular bonds in their DNA, and it also destroys nucleic acids, the “building blocks” of DNA.
Who uses UVGI?
UVGI air purification has been used for years in medical facilities. That fact speaks volumes about how effective this technique is for getting rid of air-borne pathogens. The United States government has also adopted UVGI air purifiers for all government buildings. In addition, Center for Disease Control has supported the use of UVGI air purifiers, and the Air Institute of Respiratory Education advocates the use of UVGI as well. Clean-air advocates say that UVGI should be used everywhere—schools, office buildings and public buildings are major sources of respiratory disease, and the system will benefit private residences as well.
Sick Building Syndrome.
Airborne pathogens are thought to cause a condition known as “Sick Building Syndrome.” According to the EPA, this is when the occupants of a building have health problems that seem to be related somehow to the building, “but no specific disease or cause can be identified.” People who suffer from “Sick Building Syndrome” report relief when they leave the building. Again, many people say that UVGI should be used in ALL buildings. The UVGI air purifier in places of employment will increase the general health and well-being of employees, and it will also decrease absenteeism.
Need to use UVGI correctly.
As the Environmental Protection Agency states, effective killing of airborne microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi requires a much higher UV exposure than is present in the typical residential unit. The solution, according to Calu Tech, is to buy a system with 24,000 or more micro-watts. Also, since stand-alone room purification units only clean the air they “catch,” it might be a good idea to use a unit that is placed in a ventilation duct, thus purifying the air of the entire house.
In order to realize the most reduction in indoor-air contaminates, the Food and Drug Administration and others say that the technique is not a replacement for a regular air-filtration system; UVGI needs to be used in conjunction with an air-filtration system. This is because UVGI air purifier only removes microorganisms from the air, leaving things like pet dander, pollen and chemicals. Also, UVGI air purifier by itself leaves dead mold spores in the air, which can still cause allergic reactions.
With indoor air quality being so terrible just about everywhere, homeowners should take control of the air inside their house. A UVGI air purifier may prevent illness by killing airborne pathogens. Significantly, UVGI systems are used by medical facilities, and now by the U.S. government. They would be a great addition to residences as well. EPA-approved and proven to kill 99.9% of airborne pathogens when used correctly, a UVGI air purification system would be a great investment. Home owners should make sure, however, that they buy a system with sufficient UV exposure. Used in conjunction with a more traditional air filter, UVGI air purifier promises to make the air inside a home as clean and as irritant-free as possible.