Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used for decades to purify air, water, and surfaces. But can it really eradicate particles such as PM2 particles? Many UV air purifiers are also ozone generators, using a special quartz tube called a phosphor coated “deodorizing lamp”. These lamps emit UV rays that can break down air pollutants without producing any hazardous by-products, such as ozone or nitrogen oxides. When UV rays come into contact with contaminants, they cause chemical reactions that alter their structure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend the use of ultraviolet (UV) light inside a HEPA filtration system.1 There is a common misconception that UV light can remove all contaminants and viruses, including COVID-19, and act as an effective air purifier.
Placing UV light in a HEPA-filtered air purifier can have more disadvantages than benefits, and can even be dangerous. Air purifiers with UV light are often marketed as being able to fight viruses such as COVID-19. In addition, most UV light purifiers contain HEPA filters, which are the real key to eliminating 99.9% of viruses from the air. However, the CDC and EPA do not recommend the use of UV light in HEPA air purifiers. In order to kill microbes, they must be directly exposed to UV light, and something as dense as a HEPA filter makes it impossible to guarantee full visibility. According to a report prepared by an environmental engineer working for Austin Air and which we have reviewed, adding a UV bulb increases both initial purchase and maintenance costs, and important steps must be taken to ensure that airborne microorganisms are exposed to light long enough to neutralize them. If you're looking for a way to improve indoor air quality, an air purifier with UV light could be the perfect solution to keep your home or office free of contaminants and odors. Ultraviolet light purifiers work by emitting ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the same type of radiation used in tanning beds and to kill bacteria in drinking water. After examining the benefits of UV germicidal lamps, it appears that there is an open and shut case in favor of using them.
However, this does not mean that you will be completely safe from coughing and sneezing if you have an air purifier that uses UV light. In direct response to COVID-19, new companies have emerged that claim to offer “incredibly powerful UV air purifiers.” But can air purifiers with UV light really protect you against COVID-19 and other airborne viruses?Typically, these bulbs emit a special type of UV light known as UVC, which is the most germicidal range of wavelengths in the UV spectrum. UV air purifiers are devices that use light technology to destroy microorganisms and other contaminants.
