Infection Control Benefits of Far-UV Light Sterilization

Having the right tools for sterilization is an essential component to preventing the spread of infectious disease. Proper disinfection techniques are important to protect people and patients from the cold and the flu to more serious contagious pathogens and viruses like the recent measles outbreaks.

While there are many different methods of sterilization, UV sterilization is a form of disinfection that is both effective and efficient, particularly when it comes to the sterilization of germs and pathogens like fungi, viruses, and bacteria. UV sterilization devices are able to disinfect better than traditional cleaning methods and prevent the spread of infectious disease more efficiently.

How UV Sterilization Works

While most people know about ultraviolet sterilization, or UV sterilization, not everyone knows exactly how it works and how it differs from other methods of disinfection. The ultraviolet light used during UV disinfection has shorter wavelengths than visible light. The shorter wavelengths allow the light to penetrate inside the bodies of pathogens and completely destroy them.

Because the ultraviolet light is able to completely destroy pathogens, it is incredibly effective on viruses, bacteria, and fungi — much more effective than traditional disinfection. Other forms of disinfection like chemical disinfectants can’t get rid of pathogens as effectively, and they also have many negative side effects.

Equipment that utilizes UV-FORCE® technology can kill 99.99% of bacteria in less than four seconds, which is much quicker and more efficient than both other types of UV devices and traditional disinfecting methods.

Where UV Sterilization Can Be Used

Another benefit of using UV sterilization is its versatility. UV sterilization is used for liquids, hard surfaces, and in air streams. Because of the versatility of ultraviolet light it is used by many different industries including water treatment, food and beverage packaging and manufacturing, and general surface cleaning.

Another industry that benefits from the utilization of UV disinfection is the healthcare industry. Both during construction in healthcare facilities and for general hospital and healthcare disinfection, ultraviolet sterilization plays an important cleaning role.

Spaces like waiting rooms, reception areas, offices, and conference rooms can all be sterilized with the use of UV light. During construction in hospitals UV sterilization devices can destroy harmful pathogens that are sometimes released into the air during parts of the renovation process.

The Difference Between Far-UV and Near-UV

There are different kinds of UV light, and understanding the effectiveness of devices that employ Far-UV or Near-UV is important to staying informed about UV disinfection. While both Far-UV and Near-UV have a shorter wavelengths on the light spectrum than visible light, “far” ultraviolet light falls further on that spectrum and has the shorter wavelength of the two.

The shorter the wavelength of UV light, the more effective the light is at penetrating and destroying the bodies of pathogens. Therefore, while both forms of light are able to disinfect rooms and air streams of pathogens, the more effective light source is Far-UV. Far-UV is also less damaging to the plastic and rubber materials it comes into contact with. This makes it the more helpful option for healthcare facilities as it protects important equipment for longer than UV light devices.

In addition to damaging plastics and other materials, UV-C, a common UV disinfecting light source, can actually penetrate human skin and cause damage to those around it or someone using it. Far-UVC doesn’t penetrate human or animal skin, and is much less harmful. It also works much faster than UV-C and is more effective. Far-UVC light devices also don’t put mercury in the bulbs, which helps protect people and patients from hazardous chemicals.

How HEPACART® Utilizes Far-UVC Technology

There are a lot of Far-UVC devices for sterilization on the market today. When looking between them and deciding which is right for you and your business, there are a few things to keep in mind — the effectiveness of the device, and the long-term value it will provide.

HEPACART® devices that include the technology of Far-UVC include the Airborne Disinfection Module with UV-FORCE® and GermBuster Room Air Purifier with UV-FORCE®. These devices use the power of Far-UVC to both effectively and efficiently destroy pathogens and create safer healthcare environments. These devices also provide great long-term value and ROI.

Sterilization and disinfection is a major component of many different industries, not the least of which is the healthcare industry. It’s important to have the tools that are going to combine effective power with advanced technology to help you keep yourself and others safe. Far-UVC sterilization is a great way to protect equipment, effectively disinfect, and provide better patient safety.