One Form of UV Light to Embrace During UV Safety Awareness Month
the impacts (and potential benefits) of UV light. Unless you lather on the sunscreen early and often, UV rays emitted by the sun should be avoided to prevent sunburn and other long-term issues. But one special form of UV light is now used to safely disinfect surfaces, air, and water. We’re talking about UV-C, a critical tool in workplace disinfection.
UV-C light is a component of the electromagnetic spectrum that falls in the range of visible light and X-Rays. It has a wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm, which makes it effective for disinfection. These ultraviolet light wavelengths quickly kill bacteria and infectious pathogens on surfaces.
UV-C rays are emitted naturally by the sun but can also be man-made. The sun’s UV-C rays do not reach the earth’s surface because they’re blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere.
The sun emits radiation known as UV-A and UV-B. Both types can damage your eyes and skin.
UV-B rays have short wavelengths that reach the outer layer of your skin.
UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin.
For those new to UV-C disinfection technology who may have concerns about its safety, rest assured, all man-made UV emitting devices are closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. UV-C disinfection is quick, easy to use, convenient, and has high ROI for businesses. It can serve as a positive addition in a plethora of work environments to improve efficiency and safety precautions.
As COVID-19 cases spike again with the spread of the delta variant, it’s important that businesses take appropriate measures to remain open while keeping their employees and customers as safe as possible.
So why UV-C disinfection?
Convenient and discrete: UV-C disinfection can be integrated in nursing stations, patient rooms, conference rooms, cafeterias, exits, entrances, etc.
Fast and efficient: Time is of the essence in healthcare settings and many other fields. iCleanse products can increase hand-washing compliance without wasting vital staff time. In the 15-30 seconds it takes staff to wash or sanitize hands between patient visits or other activities, iCleanse products disinfect all of their equipment and mobile devices.
Easy setup: With iCleanse UV-C products, no training is necessary. iCleanse products are ready to disinfect right out of the box. Read along with the manual and show employees how it operates by the press of a button!
Return on investment: iCleanse UV-C products are long-lasting and warranty protected. Bulbs can be replaced as necessary. By taking steps to keep the workplace clean and safe, chances are less employees will miss work due to sick time, increasing productivity.
Chemical-free: UV-C disinfection is a physical process rather than a chemical disinfectant, which eliminates the need to have hazardous chemicals on-hand, or put them on mobile devices and other products that may contact skin.
Let’s put this in perspective; we’re now able to harness the power of sunshine to effectively kill the pathogens that cause COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold. While there are certain forms of UV you should avoid this summer and year-round (stay in the shade and use sunscreen!), UV-C is one form you should embrace for its ability to keep employees, customers, and patients healthy and protected on a daily basis.
For more information on UV safety, visit the FDA’s website.