Air disinfection with LED UV-A technology
The air purification of the future
The use of air purifiers is now required by law in public facilities in Italy and other countries to prevent the spread of harmful aerosols and aeroallergens and to improve indoor air quality. However, only a few devices provide an efficient result in all respects. LED UV-A technology is an innovative, sustainable, ozone-free method that has been proven to eliminate bacteria and viruses without causing unwanted side effects.
What are UV rays and photocatalysis?
UV rays are naturally occurring, invisible electromagnetic waves with a wavelength between 100-400 nanometers (nm).
Thanks to the combination of UV-A LEDs with particular materials it is possible to improve the germicidal effect by using photocatalysis. The photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are well known and of increasing importance for air purification and treatment.
Applications extend from the removal of organic contaminants, fungi, mold, yeast, odors, and vapors, to the destruction of viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. The UV-A LED technology used by C-LED srl has demonstrated its effectiveness in killing a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and viruses (including SARS-CoV-2).
These pathogens spread in different ways: while bacteria and spores spread continuously through the air, other pathogens combine with particles such as vapor droplets (aerosols) that are inhaled by people, increasing the risk of infection.
Effectiveness has also been demonstrated in International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) reports, and many leading institutions and organizations recommend the use of UV-A radiation to disinfect air and surfaces, including the WHO and CDC.
Many UV-C equipment manufacturers rely on mercury lamps, but this technology is now considered outdated. Under the UN Minamata Convention, 92 countries have committed to phase out the use of mercury in commercial and industrial applications.
Innovative UV-A LED technology
With the UV-A LED technology (365nm) the Italian manufacturer C-Led srl, a company of Cefla Spa Group in Imola, has set an important milestone in the direction of sanctification and purification to make indoor air safer. With the use of LED UV-A + TiO2, it has been possible to develop a germicidal technology that guarantees better performances at lower costs without the use of mercury, ozone or high density filters (HEPA). In addition, this technology is very effective for air purification, while simultaneously eliminating unpleasant odors.
The UV-A LED rays allow the shorter wavelengths to penetrate and destroy the DNA and RNA of bacteria and viruses. The free radicals generated by photocatalysis break down the outer membranes of bacteria and viruses, deactivating them. This combined effect has resulted in excellent germicidal and virucidal results.
A safe solution at low cost
The technology combining UV-A LEDs and titanium dioxide (TiO2) is totally safe and chemical-free.
The use of LEDs also ensures very low power consumption and an above-average service life of more than 25,000 hours in continuous operation.
Since air disinfection with UV-A LED technology is absolutely safe, it can also be used in the presence of people or animals in a completely safe manner in accordance with EU standards, certified by the competent laboratories.
This factor is another important reason why this innovative technology is suitable for use in a wide area of applications, such as public administration, healthcare, education, transportation companies and many others.
