Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00807
Using ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI) to disinfect indoor spaces is a demonstrably effective way of deactivating various pathogens (including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus). It deactivates bacteria and viruses by exposing them to high-energy UV radiation through the use of UV lamps.
As the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need to disinfect large quantities of both air and various surfaces, hospitals, among other operators, have recently increased the use of UVGI disinfection robots. However, the method may have previously unexplored indirect adverse effects on people. These effects relate to reduced indoor air quality caused by the UV radiation used.
“To our knowledge, we conducted the first experimental study of the effects of UVGI devices on indoor air quality,” says Doctoral Researcher Frans Graeffe from the University of Helsinki’s Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR).
“We focused on the effects of UVGI disinfection robots on indoor air quality to better understand the potential adverse effects.”
Switching on UV lamps for disinfection considerably increased concentration of gases and small particles
Solar ultraviolet radiation enables most of the chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere, including the formation of oxidizers such as ozone (O3) and the hydroxyl radical (OH). Bringing UV radiation indoors in the form of UVGI disinfection robots makes it possible for outdoor reactions to take place indoors. Reactions caused by radiation can form a range of gases and small particles that, when inhaled, are harmful to human health. High particle concentrations have been associated with several diseases (e.g., respiratory…
2023-01-27 13:37:38 UV lamps used for disinfection may impair indoor air quality
Article from phys.org In recent years, the use of ultraviolet (UV) lamps for disinfection purposes has become increasingly popular. UV lamps have the ability to deactivate and eradicate a wide range of microbes present in our living or working environments. As such, they are being used to help reduce the spread of pathogens and reduce the risk of infection in places like hospitals and food processing facilities.
Unfortunately, this potentially beneficial use of UV lamps may be generating a whole new set of problems. Studies have found that the use of UV lamps can significantly affect indoor air quality by producing ozone and other hazardous materials. The release of these noxious substances can, in turn, lead to a range of health issues, including sore eyes, headaches, throat irritation, and coughing.
Furthermore, the direct exposure to UV radiation produced by these lamps comes with its own health risks. Chronic overexposure to UV light can damage our skin, eyes, and immune systems. Over time, this damage can take the form of serious and irreversible diseases such as cancer.
For these reasons, utmost caution should be taken when considering employing UV lamps for the purposes of disinfection. While the potential for successfully reducing the spread of harmful pathogens is attractive, the risks posed by inadvertent impairments to indoor air quality should not be underestimated.
Ultimately, the use of UV lamps for disinfection should only be used in certain carefully-selected circumstances. In all cases, the potential risks must be weighed up against the potential benefits, and whatever decision is made must take into account not only the safety of those workers directly exposed, but of the entire living or working community using the area.