Germs, or more specifically airborne pathogens, can spread quickly through the air in indoor public spaces. The length of time these tiny organisms remain suspended depends on several factors, including their size and the environment. Plus, poorly ventilated or crowded areas can have an even higher concentration of airborne pathogens. Fortunately, indoor air disinfection can help diminish their presence.
At Farlite Solutions, we provide an effective method for indoor air disinfection inside commercial buildings of all sizes and designs. Reduce the risk of airborne transmission in your space—get a free quote for an indoor air disinfection system today.
Aerosolized Viruses and Bacteria Can Linger
The main way airborne pathogens are released into the air is through coughs or sneezes. This causes a spray of tiny droplets along with even smaller particles called aerosols. Talking, singing, and even just breathing can also release these smaller aerosols. Sometimes, germs that have settled on surfaces can get stirred up into the air again, especially in dust.
How long these germs stay floating depends on a few factors. Larger droplets are heavier and tend to fall to the ground or to a surface quickly, usually within seconds to a few minutes. However, the smaller aerosols are much lighter. These can stay suspended in the air for a longer time, from several minutes to even hours, especially if there isn’t much air movement.
The air itself also plays a role. If there’s good airflow and ventilation, like from open windows or a strong air conditioning system, the germs can be diluted and carried away more quickly. Stuffy rooms with little air movement or higher humidity levels will allow germs to linger longer.
How Quickly Can Germs Spread?
A sneeze can send out thousands of tiny droplets traveling at high speeds. Some studies suggest a single sneeze can release around 40,000 droplets. These droplets may then be inhaled by people nearby. Even worse, pathogens have the ability to multiply rapidly. Some types can double in number every 20 minutes under the right conditions. This means a small number of germs can quickly become a much larger problem. In crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, the rapid release and potential survival time of germs create a much higher risk of quick transmission.
Indoor Air Disinfection Destroys Aerosolized Germs
Indoor air disinfection systems are designed to tackle this problem by inactivating airborne pathogens, including tiny aerosols. These systems use ultraviolet (UVC) light, which damages the genetic material of viruses and bacteria and makes them unable to infect people. As the air inside a room passes through the UVC light barrier, the pathogens within the airflow are neutralized.
The benefit of these systems is that they don’t just rely on diluting the air like ventilation. Instead, they actively work to reduce the number of infectious particles present. Indoor air disinfection can significantly lower the risk of airborne transmission of illnesses in many types of buildings such as:
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Schools, Colleges and Daycare Centers
- Offices and Public Buildings
- Gyms and Fitness Centers
- Theaters and Conference Centers
- Public Transportation Hubs (airports, train stations, bus terminals)
- Retail Stores and Shopping Malls
- Restaurants and Cafeterias
However, not all indoor air disinfections equally inactivate disease-causing pathogens at a level where occupants can be confident of not getting sick. Many UV disinfection systems currently available are unable to distribute continuous, effective doses as these pathogens move through the air or as new ones or introduced when occupants move around or enter the building. Farlite Solutions has carefully and scientifically engineered its UVPhasor disinfection system to provide this type of continuous coverage at doses proven to be effective against airborne pathogens.
Effective, Continuous Indoor Air Disinfection Solution
Understanding how long germs linger in indoor air highlights the invisible risks we face in shared spaces. That’s why implementing effective strategies to combat airborne pathogens is crucial to preventing the rapid spread of viruses and bacteria.
Farlite Solutions offers a powerful solution with our proprietary UVPhasor device. This advanced UVC air disinfection system actively neutralizes airborne germs to create safer indoor air. To learn more about how the UVPhasor can protect your space and its occupants, contact us today for a free consultation.