Germicidal UVC light (254 nm wavelength) has been used to disinfect unoccupied spaces such as empty (hospital) rooms, clinics, laboratories, medical devices, busses,… and even drinking water for a long time already (Brenner, 2020) thanks to its short wavelength and high energy level (Coffey, 2020). The efficiency in killing viruses, bacteria and fungi (up to 99,9 %) is scientifically proven (Brenner, 2020; Buonanno et al., 2020; Welch, 2020; Coffely, 2020). “Germicidal UV light can also efficiently inactivate both drug-sensitive and multi-drug-resistant bacteria, as well as differing strains of viruses” (Welch, 2020), also, it has been successfully used to inactivate H1N1 influenza and other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. “A study published June 26 to the preprint database medRxiv from Kohli's colleagues awaiting peer review now confirms that UVC also eliminates SARS-CoV-2” (Coffey, 2020). UVC light does not discriminate between (corona-) virus types (Brenner, 2020) by damaging their DNA and RNA the virus is unable to replicate, effectively killing or inactivating a microorganism or virus (Buoanno et al., 2020; Coffey, 2020)
Unfortunately, due to UVCs short wavelength and high energy level, it can only be used in empty spaces as it can cause be health hazard to skin and eyes (Brenner, 2020; Buonanno et al., 2020; Welch, 2020).
UVC light has long been used as a common method for sterilizing water, air and surfaces - a method that is used daily in hospitals, laboratories, offices and factories. The UV rays act on DNA and kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. For example, it is used to disinfect medical instruments. UVC light is also crucial for the process of drinking water disinfection; some parasites are resistant to chemical disinfectants, making it fail-safe.
Studies have shown that it can be used against influenza viruses. The radiation changes the structure and prevents the virus particles from making copies of themselves.
With our HAKA Air Clean UV we have managed to disinfect the circulating air by means of UV radiation. The UV-radiation of the air takes place inside the device so that the radiation is completely harmless for humans.
Therefore this impressive technology is no longer only applicable for surface disinfection but also for the air.