UV-C vs Air Purifier vs Chemical Cleaning
UV-C devices, air purifiers and chemical cleaning solutions are all effective options for sterilizing an environment or objects, but none of them are a perfect option that can be trusted as the sole sanitizing solution for a space.
The best plan of attack against things like bacteria, mold and viruses is to combine all three approaches in some way.
UV-C
UV-C light is an excellent and powerful tool for disinfecting and killing bacteria and viruses.
Its biggest limitation is that it only works in line of sight. Any microbes such as bacteria, mold, viruses, etc. that are on a surface or in the air within the line of sight of the UV-C rays will be killed as long as the UV-C light is on long enough for the device power and distance involved.
UV-C decontamination boxes are perfect for sterilizing smaller objects because they can completely surround the object(s) with the UV-C light from all angles.
However, when a room is being sanitized by a UV-C device or fixture it is highly unlikely that the UV-C light will be able to hit all surfaces and air in the room. For instance the top of a table or desk could be sanitized, but underneath will be blocked from the UV-C light and thus would not be sanitized.
UV-C devices must be operated with the proper precautions because it is harmful to skin and eyes as well as pets and other living things.
Air Purifiers
All our air purifiers use medical grade HEPA H13 filtration, which has been tested to remove 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns. It easily catches tiny airborne particles you can’t always see, such as dust, mold, bacteria and virus carriers.
Our air purifiers from Medify Air are top quality, and depending on the size of the unit can clean the air in up to a 5,000 square foot space in about an hour.
They are a great compliment to any other sanitizing solutions you are utilizing. While they are great for keeping the air circulated and clean, they will not sterilize surfaces within your space.
You can shop for Air Purifiers here.
Chemical Cleaning
Cleaning the traditional way with chemical cleaning solutions and a cloth or rag can be effective, but hard-to-reach areas or awkward surfaces are often missed. For this reason foggers and/or sprayers can be an extremely effective solution for sanitizing all surfaces in a space.
Atomized or electrostatic sprayers are used to spray positively charged particles that are able to aggressively adhere to surfaces and objects, enveloping objects even if the mist is only sprayed from one side. After the spray is applied, the sanitizing agent works to disinfect the covered surfaces. Though cleaning with chemicals may sound harsh and possibly dangerous, if the proper precautions are taken this method actually applies chemicals in a more efficient, controlled manner, eliminating the dangers of overuse.
This process could be complimented exceptionally well with the use of air purifiers
Precautions to Take
No matter what sanitizing method you choose, it is always recommended that you operate the equipent in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer. All safety measures suggested by the manufacturer should be followed.
UV-C Light
Ideally, equipment should be operated in an unoccupied space. UV-C light can be harmful to living things, and it could cause severe damage to human eyes and skin.
If it cannot be used in an unoccupied space, anyone who is present should use proper personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses and a Tyvek suit or clothing that covers all skin.
Warning signs should also be considered to inform about the risks of exposure during use and maintenance. Warning signs should be used where applicable to indicate the presence of potential UV-C hazards, to restrict access, and to specify necessary PPE.
Chemical Sprayers
When using chemical sprayers many of the same precautions should be taken. Depending on the type of sanitizing chemical that you will be spraying, harm could possibly come from breathing in the chemicals or from contact with skin or eyes. After the spray has been administered to an area or room, adequate time should be taken before letting people enter the space. This will allow any vapors that are in the air to settle. Warning signs should again be considered where applicable to indicate the presence of potential hazards, to restrict access, and to specify necessary PPE.
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