UVC is a high frequency of ultraviolet light, light with wavelengths just outside of the visible light spectrum. UVC is a well-known method for killing bacteria and viruses on surfaces in hospitals and laboratories; you may have even seen a UVC disinfection system yourself in your high school chemistry lab. When these systems are used correctly, especially in combination with other disinfection strategies, they are very effective. However, most of what you read about UVC disinfecting system applies to surfaces. You may be wondering if UVC air purifiers work.

This bog post has all of the information you need on UVC air purifiers including how they work, the science behind them, and where to find a system that works for you.

How do UVC Air Purifiers Work?

Like surface disinfection systems, UVC air purifiers work through the power of high energy radiation. UVC waves interfere with the genetic material of microorganisms, stopping the cell from replicating this material. This halts reproduction, so the germs die out, leaving a sterile environment behind.

While surface systems are essentially just lamps, shining UVC light onto a surface, a UVC air purifier is a bit more complex. Because UVC light is very dangerous for people, UVC air purifiers only shine their light within the filter system. As air moves through, it is disinfected by the light. UVC air purifiers with HEPA filters can also remove particulates from the air and improve the general air quality of the space.

Does Science Support UVC Air Purifiers?

While surface disinfection systems are a well-established method for disinfecting open spaces and equipment, there is some debate among the scientific community on how well UVC air purifiers work. Some of the criticisms are that many systems circulate air through the light too quickly, not giving it sufficient time to kill viruses on a single pass. Another issue is the presence or absence of a HEPA filter, which can let many viruses escape without being exposed to the light within the system.

However, research has demonstrated that UVC air purifiers can work. For example, a study found that a UVC system was able to reduce airborne bacteria by as much as 99.4%. And the study took place in a pig facility – a much less clean environment than the average home. The system was also able to greatly reduce the amount of dust and other debris in the air.

Ultimately, whether a UVC air purification system will work or not in a given space depends a lot on the technical specifications of the individual system.

What to Look for in a UVC Air Purifier?

While not all UVC air purifiers are made equal, there are some features you can look for that can help ensure that you’re purchasing a good system:

- HEPA filter: There’s almost no point in purchasing a UVC air purifier without a HEPA filter. HEPA filters allow these systems to capture incredibly small particles, ensuring that the sanitation light can reach them.

- Reflective material: While the outside of the unit doesn’t make a huge difference, reflective materials in the interior can ensure that the maximum amount of light reaches the filtered pathogens, rather than being absorbed into the material of the inner chamber.

- Strong fan and light: Obviously the bread and butter of a UVC air purification system is the fan moving the air and the light doing the disinfecting. While the power of the bulb depends on the size of the system, you generally don’t want to go lower than about 18 watts.

UVPhotons Can Provide These Features to You

While it’s always up to the consumer to make his or her own choices about what products to purchase, UV Photons can assure you that the recently launched VX-One Air purifier system from UVPhotons can provide all of the above features for you. With a hyper strong 440 watt UVC lighting system, and powerful HEPA13 filter, this system can help keep your business or large home safe and clean, giving you and your customers important peace of mind.