Germicidal Lamps and Tubes

Full Range of Germicidal Fluorescent Tubes

The Impact and Efficacy of Germicidal Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes

1. Introduction to Germicidal Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been used to kill and inactivate microorganisms for many years. Artificial light has also been used historically in a number of applications for air, surface, and water disinfection. A variety of UV sources have been developed for this purpose based around the mercury low-pressure discharge lamps, including fluorescent tubes. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have provided a new source for development, with manufacturers creating materials to produce UV radiation and giving the potential for more mobile devices. These sources emit four different kinds of UV light, falling into two categories: short-wavelength UVC and far-wavelength UVA.

It is the lower energy UVC that offers the most germicidal properties, a result of being absorbed the strongest by the RNA and DNA of cells, damaging the ability to replicate before cell processes are affected. UVC fluorescents have been the most widely used due to their ability to be produced from low intensity and minimal maintenance, unlike those such as pulsed xenon and UVC LEDs. Although data for different UVC light sources are not always compatible, a key comparison shows more rapid disinfection with fluorescent tubes to be executed at larger distances with increased power, owing to the collimated light. In this present day, ultraviolet light is growing in applications that will now add no harm to public health or the environment. This includes healthcare, food safety, and general sanitation, with a large increase in the number of locations housing UVGI air handling systems. The ultraviolet spectrum is divided into four standard divisions.

2. Mechanism of Action and Types of Germicidal Light Bulbs

Germicidal light bulbs, a type of tubular bulb produced either as a bulb or a fluorescent tube, are an effective disinfection method that uses cost-effective ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Most microorganisms are sensitive to ultraviolet radiation between 100 and 280 nm in wavelength, but few are resistant to the shorter-wavelength rays, which can damage microorganism nucleic acids. Germicidal lamps work via the generation of UV radiation, which disrupts the genetic material, deactivating virus replication, bacteria multiplication, and fungi. The evolution of germicidal lamps has been long and involves technologies due to physics and light bulb construction.

Two types of germicidal light bulbs currently available are mercury vapor lamps and low-pressure mercury lamps. Notable differences between the two lie in output intensity, the lifetime of the emitted UV-C light, and efficiency. These fluorescent tubes and bulbs are grouped by functions, such as traditional and modern use. In activating light, there are 'standard' or 'all-purpose' germicidal light bulbs, with a lifespan of 2 years, that can be used around the home, in hospitals, and in laboratories as they have satisfying efficiency; there are also 'high output' germicidal light bulbs with greater output, which are useful for air and water disinfection. Tubes with additional coating are also available; for instance, triple-bore tubing may have a phosphor coating directly mixed with glass that shifts emitted light toward a longer wavelength. Bulbs can be made with different diameters and a choice of base type. It is important to choose the right germicidal lamp type for the application to be disinfected.

3. Applications and Benefits in Various Settings

Germicidal light bulbs and fluorescent tubes could benefit a wide range of applications across various settings, especially in healthcare. Germicidal bulbs are used in doctors’ offices, dentist offices, restrooms, waiting rooms, and lobbies. Hospitals and healthcare centers are learning that ultraviolet and germicidal lighting can be an effective means of controlling infection. They are, however, very useful in food production and preservation, especially by the facilities that produce pre-packaged and pre-made salads. These products have been shown to be more prone to the transmission of various germs, such as salmonella and E. coli. Schools and daycare centers are being proactive in preventing flu by using lighting systems in their facilities that inactivate viruses that can cause flu. Using germicidal lighting in these facilities reduces absenteeism. The leaders of many educational institutions are advocating affordable solutions to improve indoor air quality as part of the integrated design planning process. This includes the use of ultraviolet light and germicidal technology to deactivate bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which would increase security and decrease healthcare and maintenance costs.

A UVC air disinfection system was installed at a regional infant and toddler facility to prevent infections by respiratory viruses, which are prevalent in summer and decline in winter. As a response to the public IPC’s need for UVC air disinfection, a passive radiative system (8 watts/bulb) was installed in the general area. Further, the facility AC and heater unit’s UVC source bulbs are shut down and not installed to avoid limiting the source fixtures design. These disinfection systems are dated with the U.S. EPA and are a registered establishment. These systems meet the safety and sterilization performance requirements of the Lighting Inspired UVC Alliance by using third-party testing protocols. Manufacturers must use third-party testing protocols in order to bring products to market and have to retest, retrain, and register their companies annually. Laundry, the dryer wash, and trash collection rooms are disinfected with passive cleaning technologies. Vigorous controlled cleaning is being used in coordination with UVC. The infant facility also boasts a half gallon-a-minute UVC water sterilization system in place.

4. Safety Measures and Precautions for Using Germicidal Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes

Since germicidal light bulbs and fluorescent tubes emit UV radiation, there are potential risks associated with using these lighting technologies that should be taken into consideration. As damaging ultraviolet rays can potentially pose risks to human health and the environment, only qualified technicians should install these devices. By positioning germicidal light bulbs and fluorescent tubes effectively, it is possible to limit and control their damaging effects. In certain operational conditions and installations, the daily allowed time of exposure to uncontrolled UV radiation varies. Certifiable personal protective equipment should be worn by individuals working on the installation, maintenance, and replacement of germicidal light bulbs and fluorescent tubes as needed, particularly if the sources are switched on via programmed control systems or if they are connected to an electric connection device without an on-off switch.

Disinfection and sterilization systems based on the use of germicidal light options could be made safer through safety awareness and proper use. The need to inform the public about UV light safety through education campaigns is outlined. Regulations and standards governing proper use of germicidal light options are mentioned. A balance needs to be struck between extending the efficacy of UV devices and reducing potential threats to human health and the environment. The use of germicidal light is an effective disinfection and sterilization method. Safe use is addressed in this chapter with a specific focus on the usage of direct and indirect germicidal ultraviolet (UV) light sources.

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The Uses of Germicidal Lamps and Tubes in Various Settings

1. Introduction to Germicidal Lamps and Tubes

Germicidal lamps and tubes typically use UV light to kill or inactivate bacteria, mold, and viruses, including COVID-19. Designed to output UVC light for its sterilization capability, germicidal lamps and tubes are engineered for peak efficiency, sterile environments, and quality assurance. Ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to the human eye, consists of three bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Although UVA and UVB are associated with sunburn and other harmful effects, their intensity is too low to be used as disinfectants. To create UV-C, a specific wavelength that exceeds the electrostatic bonding energy in microorganisms, special bulbs are manufactured. When the electrostatic bonding energy is exceeded, the organism's DNA is unable to replicate, rendering it inoperative.

Mercury vapor produces 254 nm UV-C light from low-pressure mercury lamps, while low-pressure mercury lamps produce 254 nm UV-C light. The germicidal effect varies depending on the UVC intensity, exposure time, wavelength, and the microorganism's resistance. Most of the UV light from the sun is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere, but the intense, harmful rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems. However, germicidal lights are used to control the population of germs, mold, mildew, and even bacteria within the air and on a variety of product surfaces; therefore, chromatic absorption is not a major concern. In any case, it is vital for people to remain aware of the dangers of UVC, as there are no global safety limits. The capability of germicidal lamps to remove disease-causing agents from air is evident, so it is known that germicidal illumination alternatives can help to reduce public health risks.

2. Medical Applications

Germicidal lamps and tubes are used in hospitals and health care settings for disinfection and infection control. Hospitals use this technology to sterilize surgical instruments, operating rooms, and other settings where patients are cared for. The fixtures can be used in patient rooms to clean the environment where patients are housed. This UV technology for inactivating pathogens is used in several health care settings and in a variety of areas within a hospital. Also, using UV light in air handling ducts helps control the spread of airborne bacteria.

UV light is essential in a hospital setting because it is effective especially against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is almost impossible to kill using chemicals. Several studies have documented the ability of germicidal ultraviolet to reduce a variety of health care-associated infections that typically are transmitted by contact with or from surfaces in the environment of rooms. This technology has the short-term benefit of sterilizing a room. More long-term benefits also include sterilizing specific pieces of equipment. Infectious blood or other bodily fluids can get into different areas of the hospital or clinic. Hospitals must follow certain guidelines for cleaning. The use of protective coverings on equipment that is difficult to clean and disinfect helps minimize the risk of spreading infection to other patients. Additionally, many hospital special pathogen treatment centers have been using UV disinfection to clean rooms in their hospitals. It channels air out of the room and puts it through a series of pre-filters and HEPA filters that trap bacteria and other pathogens that are floating in the air. The exhausted air is then vented to the outside of the building, where it quickly is diluted and poses no health risks to anyone in the area. During pandemics, it could exhaust the air out of a house or other building instead of recirculating it. It does not affect UV light. If UV leaks out of the fixture and reaches your skin, it can harm it in the long run.

There are studies that report the effects of UV-C generated by germicidal lamps in vertical setting equipment, of which some are reviews. Some narrow-spread-effect brands of UV-C have been found to reduce the count of airborne bacteria. Other brands of disinfection equipment have been found to reduce the count of airborne bacteria. In a large area situation, results from studies found insufficient evidence about its effects. Also, a large UV-C vertical setting equipment resulted in a reduction of colony-forming units counts of bacteria in studies, while others concluded that these settings have a reduction effect on certain bacteria, and one study showed a reduction of colonizing units of a specific fungus. In addition, there is some evidence that employment of UV-C leads to a reduction of microbiologically confirmed health care-acquired infections. This protocol was implemented in response to requests from several stakeholders and may in the future be extended to the applications of UV-C as a disinfectant used during other pandemics. Safety guidelines are included as part of this protocol.

3. Water and Air Purification

UV light has long been recognized as an effective bactericide. Microorganisms absorb light in different spectra than other substances, and because ultraviolet germicidal radiation is primarily absorbed by the RNA and DNA of microorganisms, it effectively destroys them. Using ultraviolet (UV) light for water disinfection is an effective method for making potable water without using chemicals. By using UV disinfection, municipalities and homeowners rely on the same process to provide disinfected water. In municipal water treatment facilities, a chemical disinfectant is injected into the water as a germ-killing agent and is mixed and allowed to react for disinfection. It is then allowed to “rest” so that all of the germs are dead before the water is chlorinated to a level that will provide a residual effect once the water arrives in the consumer’s home. This process ensures that by the time the water travels from the treatment facility to the consumer’s home, the tendency to develop biofilm or to experience slime caused by bacteria is greatly reduced. For those who have private water systems not large enough to require disinfection treatment, UV systems may be installed at the point of entry and effectively provide whole house disinfection. The drinking, cooking and bathing water would then all be disinfected water. Air Purification One of the most utilized and versatile applications for germicidal technology is the use of the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet (UV) light in air purification. Air purifiers are electronic devices that are used in both residential and commercial occupancies which remove contaminants from the air and improve indoor air quality. Ultraviolet lights that emit UV-C light are used in a broad category of air purifiers, sterilizers and sanitizers. There are two UV-C technologies used for residential and commercial air purification – continuous and air-coil sterilization. Ultraviolet light uses a specific frequency that prevents microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and pollen from reproducing. By targeting the DNA with high-intensity light of a certain wavelength, the living cells are inactivated and the microorganism is no longer able to multiply. For continuous sterilization the UV light sources include fixtures, bulbs and wands that emit UV-C light to irradiate and disinfect air, water and nonporous surfaces. In a coil sterilization design, an air cleaner emits germicidal UV light to disinfect air-handling coils and ducts, without directly affecting the air. By disinfecting coils and drain pans, UV systems can keep the system clean, conserve energy and ensure the integrity of the system. Key features of UV air purification systems include being easy to install directly in the HVAC ducts and coils; improved energy efficiency by cleaning the HVAC coils; providing cleaner, healthier indoor air; requiring minimal maintenance; have a simple lamp replacement. UV light has a capability to damage bacteria, viruses, and spores to eliminate the possibility of infectious diseases and illnesses; is a safe alternate to chemical disinfection as there is no use of chemicals and very minimal maintenance; a reduction in the negative impact on the environment by limiting the use of disinfecting and sanitizer chemicals used indoors; is quite effective against indoor contaminants notably mold, can reduce the need and cost of the constant undergoing repairs and replacements that indoor HVAC facilitates often require. There are two main challenges that UV systems have found. One, pre-filtration is required for airborne microbes. Two, another technical challenge is the apposing issue which also stunts UV disinfection. This is the so-called “shadowing” effect, which is air that is blocked by an obstruction or cast into a shadow by an object in air. UV treatments for water typically require post-filtration and additional treatments for particles, dust and organic matter captured on contact chambers or UV lamps. Although ultraviolet light disinfection may not fully eradicate waterborne viruses, microorganisms, or microorganisms, it is a proven technology that significantly reduces the chances of becoming sick from these bacteria, whereas pre-filtration is required for surface litter and larger particles that detract from the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment. UV water treatment technology helped to make the sparkling Niagara Falls a worldwide tourist attraction. UV-C technology administers UV-C light at a high intensity and frequency to purify the air drawn into the system. The UV-C light temporarily illuminates the cores of the microorganisms such as legionella, active influenza virus, norovirus, and other pathogens, and bacteria, until it stops the reproduction of the microorganism. UV-C air disinfection was installed to generate better air quality in the form of reduced microorganisms in the air. The UV air treatment system is cost-effective as it removes the costly renovation of existing HVAC equipment currently in place. UV light is significantly more effective than chemical sanitation as it is capable of sterilizing clean water and ensuring how it remained uncontaminated as it passed through various stages. UV air purification systems function by irradiating indoor air with a safe, effective dose of ultraviolet light. The Sterilization cycle incorporates the use of the 254nm wavelength, which has been found to be the most effective wavelength of ultraviolet light at killing microorganisms.

4. Food and Beverage Industry

Germicidal lamps and tubes are now being relied on by the food and beverage industry to enhance food safety. UV light is used for surface disinfection and can kill most harmful microorganisms that may be present on equipment or packaging. Germicidal energy of 253.7 nm destroys the DNA that binds microorganisms and thus disinfects them. There are a number of applications, from using UV light for fruit and vegetable sanitization to culinary and catering applications at the last moment. Preservation of the quality of hops and barley for beer production leads to the extension of shelf life. UV stabilization can also be used to preserve the color and aroma of the beer after it has been brewed.

Although the use of UV light in food is governed in the European Union, it can currently only be used for the treatment of surface contact for meat, fish, and fresh produce. There are some standards addressing and documenting the benefits of using UV light. The use of UV lamps, tubes, and chambers can disinfect air, food and beverage packaging, and opaque liquids. UV treatment may involve treating one product at a time or it can involve the treatment of an unpacked but more or less constant stream passing through a tunnel. Although packaging film may be transparent or opaque, in order for the UV treatment to be effective, the film must allow UV light to get through; clear PET and polypropylene films are considered to be suitable. Overall, the use of UVC is well established in water and wastewater treatment. It is also a safe process provided that users comply with the appropriate regulations and safety standards and has the potential to be an attractive technology. It can also help to extend shelf life and potentially reduce food spoilage. However, it could have an effect on product quality which could be reflected in user behavior and may, in the end, obstruct or delay adoption.

5. Residential and Commercial Settings

Germicidal lamps and tubes are being used more and more frequently in homes and commercial buildings, used for a variety of purposes to maintain a clean and healthy interior. A recent study found an increased interest in UV disinfection and a higher trust in room disinfection with ultraviolet germicidal technology. In homes, ultraviolet germicidal technology for air purification is becoming increasingly popular as ensuring air quality indoors becomes more important. This has led to the availability of products to incorporate this technology to help maintain a healthier indoor environment. For in-duct use, there are whole-house air cleaners that use UV-C to inactivate airborne viruses, mold, and other damaging microbes, while in-room or portable use products range from air purifiers to sterilization lamps. These sterilization lamps are used for the disinfection and sterilization of cutlery and children's toys and can be a stand-alone lamp or be incorporated into different furniture. In commercial settings, disinfection systems are providing public places with more comfort and safety from offices to schools and gyms. Most recently, a company used this type of technology to develop a portable UV-C sterilization lamp for use in commercial settings, while scientists are developing a smart disinfection hologram for everyday objects. In a different type of application, recently developed germicidal tattoos are being used to reduce the spread of infectious diseases through door handles and other high-traffic surfaces. The cellulose stickers can be cut into customized shapes and require no batteries or other maintenance. These germicidal stickers are designed to help stop the spread of diseases while anticipating that visitors and employees become too complacent with respect to using hand sanitizer or hand washing. Costing just a few cents each to produce, these stickers can be applied to door handles, stair railings, and other high-traffic surfaces. While data do not show consumer awareness of public health issues, most people want an effective disinfectant included in cleaning practices to prevent health problems. The pandemic increased the demand for commercial and industrial applications of UV disinfection but also drew attention to the need to provide residential options. In the summer of 2020, North America was the largest market for UV disinfection systems. In 2028, our market research report will show that the area in this region is growing at a faster pace and manufacturers have set up tie-ups with new distributors to meet demand.