Airborne coronavirus is a threat hiding in your HVAC: How UV light sanitizer can help
Been responsible for infecting 31,769,132 people in India, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has now been declared airborne. Recent studies have found that it can be spread through air conditioning systems. In this blog, we will go into details of its airborne spread including how UV light sanitizer can help eliminate it
The first cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the 2019 outbreak started appearing in China which now has spread to crores of individuals in India. The virus causing COVID-19 disease can enter the human body through the mouth and nose, then travel into the lungs and start to replicate and attack cells.
From time to time the novel coronavirus has been mutating and developing into something more deadly. Although the SARS virus typically spreads through direct contact, recent studies have found that it can also spread through airborne routes.
What is an airborne spread of coronavirus?
According to WHO, the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur when a person inhales virus-carrying aerosols suspended in the air. This could happen when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings which reaches the mouth, nose, or eyes of a susceptible person and can result in infection. These aerosols can remain suspended in the air for multiple hours, hence increasing the risk of transmission, especially in enclosed spaces.
How do HVAC systems spread the airborne coronavirus?
In July, Chinese scientists published a short study detailing the results of their investigation of the Guangzhou restaurant case. It was concluded that one of the restaurant’s air-conditioners blew the virus particles around the dining room. Also, many studies have come forth indicating that air conditioning systems are an important but overlooked factor in airborne transmission of coronavirus.
Here is how HVAC systems potentially increase the risk of spread:
The “strong airflow” and “recirculating air” from the air conditioner can spread viruses carrying aerosols in enclosed spaces.
SARS-CoV-2 has been identified in building ducts such locations could be reached only by aerosols.
Researchers believe chilly temperatures by ACs can create the perfect conditions for passing viruses and germs.
The air currents produced by ACs can suspend the virus further than it might otherwise go i.e beyond 6 feet distance.
Air conditioners also remove moisture from the air and as we know viruses prefer dry air
Airborne spread through HVAC: What Industry regulations have to say!
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has recently published revised recommendations stating “Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is significant and should be controlled. Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.”
Both ASHRAE and CDC have recommended the use of high-efficiency filtration to reduce the transmission of the virus. Additionally to these commercial air purifiers, several studies have shown that using UV light sanitizer is a reliable solution to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2.
UV Light Sanitizers: An effective way to kill coronavirus through HVAC
WHO acknowledged the airborne nature of Coronavirus, also that the chances of spread are more likely in Indoors than outdoors. Overnight, commercial UV light sanitizers and UV germicidal lamps have become a means to control the spread of the pandemic.
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is emerging as a weapon against airborne viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. The effectiveness of germicidal UV-C rays in killing and inactivating is well documented.
How UV Light Sanitizers work against SARS-CoV-2
Ultraviolet light safely disinfects pathogens, by emitting UV-C rays at a wavelength of 253.7. It disrupts the DNA and RNA of microorganisms like coronavirus and disintegrates the pathogen’s reproductive ability.
It prevents aerosol transmission through breath, cough, talk, and touching faces. UV light germicidal lamp’s application can help create a safe ambient environment by eliminating not only the coronavirus pathogens, but also infectious agents of other diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox that are recognized to be transmissible through the airborne route. To remove airborne coronavirus, commercial UV light sanitizer works magically, for instance, Magneto’s UV light solutions for all types of HVAC units could be leveraged for the same.
Take The Magneto Advantage: 360 Degree UV Light solutions for HVAC
The UVGI solutions by Magneto Cleantech are tested by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for a 99% inactivation rate of coronavirus and SGS for their on-site anti-microbial performance.
In current times, when the Coronavirus transmission is at peak if you are looking for reliable and cost-effective UV-C-based solutions for complete air disinfection, Magneto’s air disinfection solutions are the best choice. Magneto can be applied as a new or a retrofit solution in any kind of Aircon Unit. It can also be customized as per the requirement.
Call on +91-9582215203 or write to [email protected] to get in touch with the Magneto CleanTech team.