Combating COVID-19 with UV LED Technology
Bolb and UV Light Technology bring solutions to the medical community to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, the need for innovative ways to help mitigate the transmission of the virus and offer universal protection of individuals has become integral. To help prevent the spread of the virus, Bolb Inc. has designed UV-C LED emitter arrays with a germicidal light output between 1.2W and 2.5W.
Bolb Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance UVB/C solid-state emitters. Their high-performance LED technology is integrated into portable and home devices, providing universal infection prevention against contaminants and pathogens. Together, both Bolb and UV Light Technology Ltd. are utilizing UV LED technology to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
UV-C LED Emitter Arrays
Not only does the UV-C emitter arrays effectively deactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA, but they also degrade viral RNA, which is an essential component in the propagation of COVID-19.
At the newly built Huoshenan Hospital, in Wuhan, China, Bolb’s UV technology has been deployed to decontaminate the personal protective equipment and hazmat suits worn for nurses and doctors as they enter and exit coronavirus isolation wards.
A UV-C decontamination tent. Image courtesy of Laser Components.
Exposure to the UV-C light for approximately 30 seconds deactivates the viral RNA and renders the virus inactive. During this procedure, healthcare workers are protected by their hazmat suits as they are briefly exposed to the UV light to prevent any harm.
UV-C Disinfection Lamps
UV Light Technology manufacture and supply UV lamps for a range of industrial, food, medical, scientific, and security applications. Not only does the company provide UV equipment, but it also provides information and training to ensure safe use and compliance. Additionally, UV Light Technology provides a consultancy service to help customers select the right equipment and conduct the appropriate risk assessment.
The company is offering three different types of UV-C disinfection lamps to help keep surfaces clean and reduce the risk of cross-contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the UV-C Germicidal Hand Lamp, Germicidal Units and Decontamination Trolley. Additionally, UV Light Technology’s UV-A inspection lamps can be used to reveal invisible contamination housing bacteria and germs, including the Coronavirus. Unlike UV-C light, UV-A light is safe to use as long as the maximum exposure times for eyes and skin is not exceeded.
The UV-C Decontamination Trolley. Image courtesy of UV Light Technology.
In a recent study looking at the effect of UV light on different Coronavirus species, a D90 value of 7-241 J/m2 was proposed to adequately represent the ultraviolet susceptibility of the COVID-19 virus. The D90 value indicates the ultraviolet dose for 90% inactivation. By using this exposure data, and comparing the UV light irradiance measurements from its UV disinfection lamps and systems, UV Light Technology calculated the exposure times required to achieve a particular log reduction based at specified distances from the source.
For many years, these UV light technologies have been a standard in laboratories, care homes and hospitals for maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. At this particular time in history, these innovations are needed more than ever to reduce viral transmission and save lives.
