UV Lights — A Key Player In Your Clean-Air Strategy
Some air purifiers use ultraviolet light to complement traditional filtration methods. UV radiation in certain doses is a potent weapon against airborne bacteria, molds and viruses. Using this light in air purifiers is meant to not only filter this organic matter from the air, but to kill it.
Although some people might wonder about the effects to humans of the UV radiation used in this type of filter, these lights are perfectly safe to humans. In fact, this kind of filtration system is used in hospitals.
Because of the germ-killing effect of the UV light filters, the Environmental Protection Agency refers to these filters as Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) Cleaners.
EPA studies show that the effectiveness of these purifiers is mixed. Unlike traditional filters, UV lights are only designed to target specific types of organic matter. They will not filter other common air pollutants, such as dust or volatile organic compounds. However, most purifiers that use radiation also include a traditional method of air purification, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The addition of UV radiation alone will not reduce problems associated with dust mites or allergic reactions to mold. Because the ultimate goal of the air filters is to create the cleanest, purest air possible, these filters are intended for use in tandem with the traditional methods of air purification.
If you have questions about UV lights in air purifiers, contact the pros at Symbiont Service Corp.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about UV light and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Symbiont Service Corp. serves Englewood, Florida and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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