Germs can find their way even into homes that are sealed and ventilated. This includes harmful microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, that can create a hazardous living environment. Considering that we spend 90 percent of our time inside, and that indoor air is one of the top-five environmental health threats in the nation, the need to clean to purify our indoor environments is clear. Air purifiers incorporating UV lights can help.
Violet light has the shortest wavelength of all visible light. Ultraviolet light, or UV radiation, earned its name because its wavelength is even shorter than that of violet light. UV light also vibrates at a high frequency that most microorganisms can’t withstand.
UV radiation is naturally present in the environment in sunlight, where it acts as an organic sterilizer. The high frequency of UV light causes irreparable damage to the cellular structures of microorganisms and germs, disrupting their DNA and making them incapable of regenerating or reproducing. This is the planet’s first defense against spreading disease.
How do you know whether a UV light could be useful in your household? If any residents experience chronic health issues, such as respiratory problems, viral infections or skin irritations, a high concentration of microorganisms could be to blame. Also, germs primarily get into your body by latching onto dust, which you then inhale. Where there are high quantities of dust, there are probably germs.
UV lights have been shown to be effective at killing living pollutants, including:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Microorganisms
- Dust mite eggs
- Fungus and mold spores
They aren’t capable of filtering other contaminants out of the air, though, such as:
- Dust
- Chemical fumes
- Pollen and spores
For this reason, UV light systems are often used in conjunction with an air filtration system, such as a HEPA filter. Some research has shown UV purifiers to reduce the amount of dangerous microorganisms in a living space up to 50 percent during only the first 45 minutes of use.
If you have more questions about UV-light systems, contact Paitson Bros. We’re happy to help improve indoor air quality in the Wabash Valley.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Paitson Bros. Heating and Air Conditioning services Terre Haute, IN. To get started, check out our website.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922