SCIENCE
To understand how Steril-
The C wavelength of the UV spectrum (UVC – 253.7nm) targets the DNA of microorganisms, destroying their cells and making replication impossible. Directed at a cooling coil or drain pan, UVC energy destroys surface biofilm, a gluey matrix of microorganisms that grows in the presence of moisture. Biofilm is prevalent in HVAC systems and leads to a host of indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC operational problems. UVC also destroys airborne viruses and bacteria that circulate through an HVAC system.
For the most effective microbial control, Steril-
The recirculating air in HVAC systems creates redundancy in exposing microorganisms to UVC, ensuring multiple passes so the light energy is effective against large quantities of airborne microorganisms. Steril-
UVC use in HVAC systems is now recognized as an important contributor to improved indoor air quality, biofilm control, energy savings, and maintenance reductions in commercial, residential, health care and other environments. According to a report issued June 24, 2009 by ASHRAE, airborne transmission of diseases through heating and air conditioning systems may be much more common than previously thought. ASHRAE cites UVC as one of the control strategies that may help avoid transmission.
ASHRAE Position Document on Airborne Infectious Diseases
The EPA Report
The most comprehensive independent source of information for comparing UVC lamp systems is a series of 2006 test reports titled “Biological Inactivation Efficiency of HVAC In-
The research reports can be accessed on the EPA website:http://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?address=nhsrc/si/&dirEntryId=233212
Steril-
Levels of fungi growing on insulation within air-
airborne fungi within AHUs were measured before the use of germicidal UV light and again after 4 months of
operation. The fungal levels following UV operation were significantly lower than the levels in control AHUs.
Links
HVAC systems have been shown to collect, amplify and spread microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter that cause health-
BIOFILMS: COSTLY BUILDUP THAT SHORTENS
THE LIFE OF YOUR HVAC EQUIPMENT