When it comes to UV light, the terms “disinfection” and “sterilization” are often confused. While both aim to reduce harmful microorganisms, they are not the same. Disinfection reduces the number of dangerous pathogens to a safer level, while sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life.
It’s important to understand this difference when considering the type of UV light disinfection technology you need for your building. For most commercial settings, aiming for disinfection rather than sterilization is a reasonable and still highly effective approach.
We offer custom UV light disinfection solutions for commercial buildings of all types, from airports to offices to schools. Get a quote for an automated UV light disinfection system from Farlite Solutions today.
What Are We Fighting?
When we talk about controlling germs, we mean reducing how many are around us. This control can be seen as a spectrum: on one end is simple cleaning – wiping away dirt and some germs. On the other end is the most intense level: getting rid of absolutely everything living.
Disinfection and sterilization are both steps on this spectrum. Disinfection lowers the number of the harmful germs to a level where they are less likely to cause problems, whereas sterilization is the full destruction of every living microbe
Is Disinfection Good Enough?
If you are considering a UV light system for your building, you no doubt want to make sure your investment is worthwhile and does the job you need it to do. Although sterilization may seem like the gold standard given how comprehensively it removes pathogens, unless you’re a healthcare facility, it may be more than you need – as well as unrealistic and unsustainable for most commercial operations.
Disinfection alone significantly reduces the number of harmful pathogens present and makes the air considerably safer for occupants. Sterilization, while eliminating all microbial life, is often overkill for routine commercial needs. Plus, achieving true sterilization in dynamic commercial environments is incredibly challenging. Constant human traffic and the introduction of new materials and people mean that a sterile state would be quickly compromised. Disinfection provides a more realistic and manageable approach to reducing the ongoing risk of infection.
Disinfection methods are also more cost-effective and practical for implementation in busy commercial spaces. Sterilization often requires specialized equipment, higher energy consumption, and longer exposure times, making it less feasible for offices, restaurants, gyms, or retail stores.
Disinfection Using Upper Air UV Systems
Upper air UV light disinfection systems are extremely useful in spaces with high occupancy or where good ventilation is difficult to achieve, such as hospitals, schools, offices, and crowded public areas. The UVPhasor systems from Farlite, for example, use specialized fixtures [KJ1] mounted on the ceiling that broadcast a layer of UVC light throughout the room, far above any people below and minimizing their risk of exposure to the light.
As the germs in the air float through the barrier of UVC light, it disrupts the DNA or RNA of each airborne microorganism to inactivate it. This prevents it from multiplying and spreading. These light systems operate continuously, so the air is being cleaned as it cycles.
Make Your Air Healthier with UV Light Disinfection
Breathe easier with Farlite Solutions—our UVPhasor system helps you create healthier air in your commercial building easily and effectively. Contact us today for a consultation and free quote.