UVC and Ozone in Hand Dryers and Air Purifiers - FAQ
When you think about air purification, most think of HEPA filters. But there are other technologies that can be used for many different air cleaning purposes.UV-C light, one of three types of ultraviolet light, is commonly used in air purification. It is a form of light that rests just outside the visible spectrum for humans. The wavelength of UV light is shorter than visible light, but longer than X-rays. It’s estimated that UV light makes up about 10% of the sun’s output.
UV light can also be created artificially, by technologies that include arc welders, tanning beds, black lights, and some forms of air purifiers.
These air Purifiers (both stand-alone, and those included in hand dryers) utilize ultraviolet light to kill mold and mildew, as well as eradicate VOC's, airborne pathogens, flu, germs, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful airborne contaminants. Some models also remove odors from the home caused by garbage, hobbies, cooking, etc.
Because UV light is effective in killing cells, it is therefore effective at eliminating living airborne organisms. Namely, mold and mildew.
Mold reproduces through spores that are released into the air, much like pollen from a flower. The mold spores float in the air and eventually land in places where they can grow into new mold.
With the use of germicidal UV-C light in air purifiers, you not only trap mold spores, you effectively destroy them, keeping the spores from forming new mold.
Another use for UV light is the elimination of viruses and bacteria. While more research and development is needed, it is clear that UV light, when properly utilized, can reduce the amount of viruses and bacteria in the air.
While bacteria can often be trapped by filters, viruses are so small that they literally slip through the gaps. With UV light air purifiers, the viruses are exposed to harmful light, killing them before they escape.
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