We’ve all learned the value of keeping spaces germ-free over the last few years, but did you know that there are innovative lighting solutions that can help ensure your spaces remain clean and sanitized without reaching for the disinfectant? Read on to find out 3 ways modern lighting is the key to healthy spaces and how our Graybar Canada Lighting Division can help you get there.

     

What is Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)?

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) uses short wave Ultraviolet (UV) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by emitting a light frequency that these microorganisms cannot survive. The light destroys the nucleic acids in the cells of these microorganisms, disrupting their DNA and leaving them unable to perform their cellular functions (like making humans sick) – rendering them harmless.

It is most often used in medical applications where maintaining a sterile field is the top priority, but its applications have recently been extended to water purification and air purification initiatives, helping to keep us healthy from kitchen to waiting room and back.

When was Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Discovered?

Arthur Downes and Thomas P. Blunt published a paper describing the sterilization of bacteria through UV in London in 1878 – well over 100 years ago ! We have improved the technology exponentially since then, but we have over a century of research to base these improvements on.

How is Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Applied?

UVGI is applied in several different ways to promote sanitation best practices, with three of the most notable implementations coming in the form of Upper Air Room UVGI, Sterilizing Vaults, and Room Sterilization.

So, what’s the difference between the three? They all use UVGI, right? You’re right – they do all use the same technology, but the way the technology is used is different enough that its useful to look at them all separately to best understand how UVGI might be a solution for you.

Upper Air Room UVGI

This method uses UV-C lamps and LED lights mounted on or close to ceilings in public spaces. As air circulates upwards into the range of the light (which is invisible to the human eye), any harmful microorganisms are neutralized and the air that cycles back to the floor is clean and free of pathogens. This has clear applications to waiting rooms and other areas where people gather and linger. 

Sterilizing Vault

Used for disinfecting smaller objects, these timer-based devices involve shutting objects into a sealing vault to protect the eyes while UV-C light floods the chamber to disinfect the items placed inside it.

Room Sterilization

Completed when a room is unoccupied, this method uses the same principle as Sterilizing Vaults, only on a much larger scale. In this method, rooms are bathed with UV-C light to sanitize all surfaces in the room and neutralize any pathogens circulating in the air. A clear win for your operating rooms, this ensures that all nooks and crannies of your room are completely microorganism-free, especially when used with other sanitization procedures.

From operating rooms to waiting areas, the possible applications of UVGI technology are boundless in our post-pandemic world – which is exactly why you should be thinking about how to bring UVGI lighting into your next building plan.

Why Prioritize Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)?

The number one reason to prioritize UVGI in your builds is health. Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI’s) are the fourth leading cause of death in healthcare facilities in Canada and record pressure on Canada’s healthcare system, prevention is worth every penny you spend on it to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your customers as protected as possible from exposures to possible pathogens.

Along with best practices like hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and infection control, the use of UVGI in addition to these practices can significantly reduce the number of acquired infections that occur – which will be reflected on your bottom line with less time off and less up-front medical costs.

In post-COVID society that understands the devastating impact microorganisms can have, taking steps to build antiseptic capabilities into your building itself has a high potential for return on investment in ways you might not even think about in the installation process.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI): Your Ticket to Cleaner Spaces

UVGI is proven to be 99.99% effective against harmful microorganisms like SARS-CoV-2 virus, and there are currently no one microorganisms that demonstrate resistance to UVGI. This means that, when using UVGI in your healthcare spaces, you can be sure that all harmful microorganisms are deactivated without worrying about potential resistance or stressing over ineffective cleansers.

Speaking of ineffective cleansers, UVGI leaves no residue and does not affect the surfaces it is applied to, meaning – unlike disinfectants and other chemical cleansers – there is no possibility of allergic reactions, interactions between chemicals, or carcinogenic side effects of getting cleansers on our near skin.

How Can I Access Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Products?

Safety is a top priority when it comes to the purchase, installation, and use of UVGI products, with multiple organizations in Canada committed to ensuring that the devices you incorporate into your build are effective and safe.

There are several regulatory requirements for UVGI devices and procedures in Canada, including, but not limited to:

Safety Certification, issued by the Standard Council of Canada (SCC) accredited organizations.

Assurances of Photobiological Safety for occupied vs. unoccupied spaces.

Proof of Certification for Ozone Safety.

If this list seems overwhelming don’t worry – we can help!

Our lighting experts have decades of experience helping customers navigate the UVGI space, from planning and purchasing to execution and certification. Contact us today to learn more about these services – and rest assured that you’re in good hands with the guidance and equipment we offer.

Reach out to a Graybar Canada Lighting Expert with any questions you have about how UVGI can get you closer to your goals and objectives. We’ve been helping people build with excellence for over one-hundred years and we pride ourselves on helping you achieve the best returns for your investments into projects that help keep your people happy, healthy, and functional.