UV Light Disinfection - The Future of Safe, Chemical Free Sterilization 

Viruses and bacteria are everywhere. They live not only on human skin, but also on plastic, glass, metal, and other countless other surfaces - often in large numbers. While the human body is generally equipped to handle some of these microbes, others - like we have seen with the COVID-19 Pandemic - will make you sick and could potentially be fatal. 

Disinfection and sterilization are the most effective way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria found on hard surfaces at workplaces and in the home. But the best way to disinfect - spraying these surfaces with cleaning agents and thoroughly wiping it down with a cloth and water - is simply unfeasible for the vast majority of the country.

No one can realistically be expected to wipe down an entire property, all throughout the day, without missing a spot. There is a need for a more effective solution, and that solution is UV light from Hero UV.

What is "UV Light Cleaning?" 

Traditional cleaning methods, like soap and water, have many challenges:

• It is time consuming.
• It is expensive.
• It introduces human error.
• It uses sizeable harmful chemical agents.
• It is often unfeasible depending on the property.

Ultraviolet light (UV light) offers an alternative solution. Ultraviolet light, like the light that comes from the sun, has natural disinfectant properties. It is one of the reasons why illnesses from many of the worst viruses and diseases appear to see a drop in summer, as outdoor surfaces are often disinfected by sunlight.

UV light cleaning is the process of using a specific device that emits ultraviolet rays to disinfect hard surfaces. At Hero UV, we have devices that can be placed in the middle of a room for 360 degree coverage, devices that can be placed on walls, and chambers that can be used to disinfect smaller items like phones and laptops. 

Why Does UV Light Kill Viruses and Bacteria?

Ultraviolet light - specifically, UV-C, which is a UV wavelength between 200 and 280 nanometers - disinfects almost any surface it touches. UV-C kills viruses and bacteria by damaging the nuclei of the microbe and destroying the proteins, which in turn kills the germ. Although other forms of UV light (UV-A and UV-B) seem less effective, UV-C is specifically able to penetrate the cells of these organisms, eliminating 99.9% of the microbes on a surface when used properly.

How Do UV Light Devices Work?

UV light emitting devices emit a bright UV-C light. Everything the light touches is disinfected within 10 to 30 minutes depending on the materials and the rays. Some UV devices are placed inside of an empty room. The light is switched on, and over time any bacteria or germs in the room are completely disinfected. For UV chambers, individuals can place most small items inside of the device and wait, and in fewer than 15 minutes the device is safe to use and free from any remaining germs. 

It may even be effective against aerosol versions of viruses in select cases. 

It is effective against almost all known diseases that spread through surface contact, including the flu, the common cold, E-Coli, MRSA, and is believed to be effective against coronavirus. UV light is so effective that it has been used in surgical rooms and on equipment for decades, but now is becoming a more popular choice in properties of all sizes.

Applications - How Businesses Use UV Light

UV for disinfection and sanitation is not new. In fact, it has been used in the medical field for years, especially surgical rooms and areas that have a serious risk for pathogens. 

But, in light of COVID-19, more and more industries are seeing a use for UV light cleaning:

• Office buildings are using UV light to disinfect communal rooms.
• Restaurants are using UV light to quickly disinfect their kitchens and dining areas.
• Industrial properties are disinfecting equipment and workspace overnight.

Some businesses are installing wall units, like the one we offer here at Hero UV, to disinfect rooms at regular intervals in less than 15 minutes - ensuring that any remaining virus or bacterium is eliminated and decreasing the risk of spread. Others are using portable UV lights to disinfect rooms as needed, such as if an employee were ill in a communal room. 

Disinfectant chambers can be used in dental offices, grocery stores, pharmacies - anywhere where the staff may come into contact with microbes, since they can be used on phone and other devices that are not typically cleaned by soap and water.

Used correctly, UV light can make it possible for your business to operate safely with less risk to employees and customers. 

UV Light Disinfection at Home - Residential UV Systems

In the past, one of the challenges for UV light emitting devices was that few were designed for residential use. Most were for commercial applications, working within the industrial and medical fields to disinfect at a large scale. But there are now more and more UV systems that are effective for residential use.

Small UV chambers have been developed for phones, baby toys/pacifiers, bottles, and other items. UV lighting systems can also be used to disinfect rooms when caring for a sick family member. Contractors may also choose to use UV lighting before and after a job is finished to protect workers and their clients.

Better Than Manual Cleaning - UV Light Sterilization

Cleaning an item or area by hand is often insufficient and impractical. UV light replaces the need for human intervention, eliminating microbes at a larger scale and in a shorter amount of time. Used almost entirely in the healthcare field in the past, these devices are now mainstream, and offer better protection throughout many industries than the cleaning methods of the past. Learn more at HeroUV.com.