Emerging Viruses and Variants – UV Light Disinfection

Emerging Viruses and Variants – UV Light Disinfection

close up of yellow viruses that will be destroyed by UV light disinfection
UV light disinfection can effectively destroy over 99% of viruses, including new or emergent variations.

Emerging viruses and their variants pose a constant threat to public health. The rapid spread and potential for mutation make them particularly challenging to control. In the face of these risks, disinfection technologies like UV light have gained attention as a potential solution. But does UV light disinfection work on these emerging threats?

Farlite Solutions offers the latest advancements in UV light disinfection technology. Discover how our innovative solutions can help protect your indoor spaces and create a healthier environment. We can provide custom systems for almost any commercial building, from airports to schools to healthcare facilities and everything in between.

Emerging Viruses and Variants Around the Globe

Emerging viruses are those newly identified or previously unknown infections that suddenly appear in a population. They can originate from animal reservoirs, mutate from existing viruses, or emerge due to changes in the environment. Variants, on the other hand, are versions of a virus that have undergone genetic mutations. These mutations can alter the virus’s characteristics, potentially making it more transmissible, virulent, or resistant to existing treatments and vaccines.

Recent examples of emerging viruses include the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, and the monkeypox virus, which caused a global outbreak in 2022. The rapid spread of these viruses, coupled with the emergence of new variants like Delta and Omicron in the case of SARS-CoV-2, highlights the challenges posed by these evolving pathogens.

The unpredictability and potential for rapid evolution make emerging viruses and their variants a significant public health concern. Effective strategies for prevention and control, like UV light disinfection, are crucial for mitigating their impact.

UV Light Disinfection Targets All Types of Viruses

A key advantage of UV light disinfection is its broad-spectrum effectiveness. Because UV-C light targets the fundamental genetic material present in all microorganisms, it can inactivate a wide range of bacteria and viruses, regardless of their specific type or strain. This is in contrast to vaccines, which are typically designed to target a specific virus and may not be as effective against emerging or mutated variants. 

A study published in the journal “Nature” in 2023 examined the disinfection kinetics of different SARS-CoV-2 variants using 267 nm UV-LED light. The results showed that all variants, including Alpha, Delta, and Omicron, were significantly reduced after exposure to UV light.

UV light disinfection utilizes a specific type of ultraviolet radiation, known as UV-C, to inactivate microorganisms. UV-C light has a wavelength range of 200 to 280 nanometers and is highly effective at disrupting the genetic makeup of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

When UV-C light is absorbed by a microorganism’s DNA or RNA, it causes damage to the nucleic acids, leading to mutations and the inability of the organism to replicate and function properly. In essence, the UV-C light disrupts the microorganism’s genetic code, rendering it harmless and preventing it from causing infection.

Safe, Continuous Indoor Disinfection 

The effectiveness of UV light disinfection hinges on several key factors, including UV wavelength, exposure time, and proper device placement. 

Farlite Solutions’ UV Phasor system is designed to create a disinfection zone in the upper air of a room, utilizing the natural air circulation to draw contaminated air through the UV light barrier.  This approach allows for continuous air disinfection even in occupied spaces, reducing the risk of human exposure to UV radiation.

By targeting the upper air continuously, the system aims to inactivate airborne pathogens before they can settle on surfaces or be inhaled by occupants.

Protect Your Business with UV Light Disinfection

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed how businesses prioritize air quality in their work environments. With the heightened awareness of airborne disease transmission, there’s a growing demand for disinfection solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and clients alike.

Traditional cleaning methods, while important, can’t fully address the challenge of airborne pathogens. UV light disinfection offers a powerful, automated solution that continuously works to neutralize viruses and bacteria in the air, reducing the spread of sickness in your building. This automated approach not only saves time and resources but also ensures a higher level of disinfection, giving businesses peace of mind.

As new viruses and variants continue to emerge, UV light disinfection provides a reliable solution for maintaining a healthy environment. By investing in this technology, you demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being, enhance your reputation, and safeguard your day-to-day operations against future health threats.

Custom Solutions for Your Indoor Space

Farlite Solutions offers custom UV disinfection solutions tailored to your specific needs and space. Contact us today for a free consultation and custom quote.