UV LED light can kill the COVID-19 virus with the flip of a switch

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UV LED light can kill the COVID-19 virus with the flip of a switch

With the pandemic of the COVID-19 throughout the world, it is essential to keep us and our families safe. As a result, there are many UV LED lights emerging on the market that advertise their ability for sterilization and disinfection. Are they really effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19? A scientist at Columbia University gave a positive answer to this question. Thanks to its effectiveness, UV LED light is extensively used in a variety of fields such as healthcare, industry, commerce, agriculture, etc. Although UV LED light is effective in suppressing the coronavirus, there are still a lot of doubts left to us: what is UV LED light and how does it work? Are there any benefits or limitations of it? In this post, we will put together some useful information to help you find the answer to these questions.

What is UV light and how does it kill the COVID-19 virus?

Ultraviolet light or UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is divided into three types based on wavelength and energy: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Its wavelength range typically falls between 10 nm and 400 nm. Ultraviolet light is mostly invisible to the human eye and gets its name from the “violet” color produced in the visible part of the spectrum. Among the three types of UV light, UVC has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy and is almost absorbed by the ozone layer of the earth. UV-C, also known as germicidal UV, refers to ultraviolet light in the specific wavelength range of 100 nm to 280 nm that can inactivate pathogens including bacteria and viruses. The results of the International Ultraviolet Association found that UV-C can kill 99.9% of pathogenic microorganisms by destroying their DNA and RNA structures.

Since the early 1900s, artificially-made UVC, also called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has become a popular disinfection solution. UVC can effectively stop the spread of viruses, such as SARS-CoV, freeing thousands and millions of people away from disease and death. UVC LED lights, as one of the types of UVC lights, often serve to disinfect the air, water and nonporous surfaces in various places. Now that UVC is effective, why isn’t it the preferred solution to defeat Covid-19?

UV light versus Covid-19

UV light versus Covid-19

Advantages of UV LED lights

Mercury is known to cause serious harm to the environment. Unlike traditional UV lights, there is no presence of mercury in UV LED light. Therefore, UV LED lights are a safe and cost-effective disinfection solution, which is exactly what global researchers are looking for. In addition, UV LED lights come with lower energy consumption and higher heat dissipation compared to traditional lights.

Apart from the basic advantages mentioned above, UV LED lights are extremely effective for sterilization due to several major reasons.

High pathogen kill rate

Studies have shown that if people use UV LED lights properly, the rate of pathogen killing can reach up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. What’s more, pathogens will not be resistant to UV radiation, unlike the human body, which can develop antibodies to certain antibiotics or antibacterial products.

Minimal chemical exposure

Chemicals can pose potential harm to people’s health. When using UV LED light, people are exposed to very small amounts of harmful chemicals. After disinfection with UV LED light, it is safe for people to enter the area. However, it can be difficult for people to breathe in the space just sprayed with chemicals.

Multiple lighting configurations

UV LED lights are available in a variety of lighting configurations, including different types of fixture installation, mobile units, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. You can easily move your mobile units from room to room, making them perfect for hospitals, airports, fire and police stations, and hotels. Furthermore, mobile units are a cost-effective solution compared to fixture installation in the room.

Limitations of UV LED lights

In addition to knowing that UVC works for Covid-19 disinfection, there are also some limitations on its effectiveness in inactivating viruses:

  • The optimal exposure duration, wavelength, and dose of UVC light required to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 have not been determined. And It depends on many factors, including the shape and type of contaminated material.
  • Of all viruses, Killing Covid-19 requires the highest exposure, which can damage the skin and eyes. Therefore, the use of UV LED light should pay attention to skin and eye protection.
  • UVC radiation is effective only when the virus is in direct contact with the radiation. As such, it may be less effective invirus inactivation, when surfaces are covered by soil, dust or other contaminants like body fluids.
  • Exposure to high-intensity UVC light for an extended period may lead to the degradation of materials such as textiles, plastics or polymers.
  • Many UVC LED lights sold for householduse are typically low intensity. This means it requires longer exposure time to effectively inactivate bacteria or viruses.

Research has indicated that UVC LED lights can be a feasible method of germ inactivation, but we need to carefully operate, adjust and schedule UVC LED lights to suit different scenarios to play their effectiveness to the fullest. Plus, it’s worth noting that using them when there is no one in the space.

Application of UV LED lights

Application of UV LED lights

Although UVC is a relatively new disinfection solution, it can be incredibly beneficial to many businesses if used properly. At present, in order to prevent Covid-19, UV LED lights have been safely applied in some areas. Let’s take a look at several uses of UV LED lights.

UV lights for killing COVID in liquid

The UV LED light provides a safe and efficient solution for water treatment without using harmful chemicals that cause water body pollution. The UV LED light is a cost-effective option for water disinfection applications such as waste water, drinking water, pool and spa, aquaculture and other water purification needs. According to a recent investigation in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), UVC light can effectively kill SARS-CoV-2 that are highly susceptible to UV radiation in liquid cultures.

UV lights for killing COVID on surfaces

In laboratories and all surfaces

Another study by AJIC showed that UVC light can kill 99.7% of SARS-CoV-2 on laboratory surfaces. In order to increase the efficiency of surface disinfection, it is essential to keep surfaces clean and directly exposed to UVC radiation.

In hospitals an medical facilities

Many hospitals and medical facilities have incorporated UVC light disinfection into their cleaning schedule. Using UV LED lights to sterilize hospital wards, surgical rooms and medical equipment can kill harmful bacteria, thus creating a sterile environment for hospitals and preventing the spread of disease.

Disinfection for the food industry

UV LED lights offer a host of benefits to the food and restaurant industry. Food irradiation is a safe and efficient method of food treatment that helps extend the shelf life of food and eliminate E. coli and Salmonella. UV LED lights ensure the safety of staff and patrons by preventing viruses from gathering on food surfaces and dining areas.

Disinfection with far-UVC light

Research has proven that far-UVC light is most effective at killing viruses and bacteria, with wavelengths between 207 and 222 nanometers. Compared to other types of UVC lights, far-UVC lights are more effective at destroying germs and viruses with less hazard to the skin and eyes.

UV lights for killing COVID in the air

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is able to spread rapidly through the medium of airborne particles. Therefore, disinfecting the air can help protect people from contracting the new coronavirus. HVAC UV light devices provide an effective method of air purification for commercial, industrial and residential applications. Far-UVC light can effectively kill the coronavirus that causes the common cold and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Far-UVC light is a great choice for disinfection due to the less health hazard to human exposure.

Supplier of Quality UV LED lights proven to kill COVID-19 Virus

As the premier supplier of LED lights in China, MOKOLight utilizes our cutting-edge UV patented technology to produce UV LED lights for virtually any application. We provide high-quality low pressure, medium pressure and high pressure UV germicidal lights to meet the customized needs of our clients. Our UV LED lights are proven effective in killing a variety of bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus. They are used in massive applications worldwide for the disinfection of water, air and surfaces. Please contact us to quickly develop proprietary solutions to your specific specifications.

Written by ——
Sushant Kulkarni
Sushant Kulkarni
9+ years of experience in implementing and debugging elector-mechanical systems, successfully leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and completing projects. Reach Me Now>>
Sushant Kulkarni
Sushant Kulkarni
9+ years of experience in implementing and debugging elector-mechanical systems, successfully leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and completing projects. Reach Me Now>>
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