A conversation has started around the use of ultraviolet light to treat COVID-19. The primary source of this is known as Healight. This experimental treatment could have applications for coronavirus. After a bioscience company called Aytu signed a global license with Cedars-Sinai, politicians, researchers, reporters and the public have become intrigued with the idea that this could be one way to treat COVID-19.
Any viable treatment for coronavirus captures public attention. At Air Oasis, we have known about the power of UV light for decades. UV light is the heart of our AHPCO® technology which we use in most of our products. This is not a new concept to the medical community, either. While it’s encouraging to hear that novel treatments are being considered from all angles, medical researchers have not made any definitive statements about whether or not UV light could work to kill this coronavirus. Consumers need to be careful when considering alternatives to known, proven solutions.
Because we use UV light as part of our strategy for air purification, we want to contribute to the conversation. Here is an outline of what UV is, the health benefits of UV light and insight into whether or not UV light can kill viruses.
UV/Ultraviolet Light in Air Purifiers
UV or ultraviolet light is part of our advanced PCO system we call AHPCO®. Implemented in our Air Oasis nano Induct™ and G3 Series purifiers, it can be used in homes and offices for extended periods of time. Our extensive research and experience have proven that UV works best as part of a larger system.
There are three functions that work in tandem to purify air in the home:
- LongLife+ germicidal UVC lamps have a special coating that maintains their intensity. We have refined this application of UV to the point where it can now outperform standard quartz lamps, generating purified air for up to 7,000 hours longer.
- AHPCO® technology uses catalyst metals, nano-particles and hydrating agents. These work on a molecular level to clean the air, without needing filters.
- Our special lamps and catalyst coating combine to make our proprietary AHPCO cells, which are found in all of our UV air purifiers.
UV air purifiers are energy efficient and, unlike HEPA or alternatives, don’t rely on filters. They can improve your family’s health.
Health Benefits of UV Light
There are many benefits to using ultraviolet or UV in air purifiers. UV light rays can incinerate bacteria and keep microorganisms from reproducing. They do this by damaging the genetic material that contributes to that reproduction. UV light can stop microbes that cause illnesses, which prevents the spread of disease.
Some health benefits that our customers have found, after using an air purifier with UV light, include:
- Reduced allergens and irritation
- Improved symptoms of asthma
- Reduced exposure to germs, including measles, the flu and the common cold virus (which can be a strain of the coronavirus)
- Fewer odors
Some people have found that they need to clean less, because an air purifier reduces the amount of airborne particles and dust in their home. Ultimately, we have seen families whose immune systems are strengthened and the frequency of illness reduced by installing a UV air purifier.
UV Light and Viruses
Published studies over the past several decades report finding that UV-LED light can inactivate viruses including Influenza-A strains such as H1N1 and HPAI. Following exposure to Ultraviolet B and C LED light, studies observed both a decrease of the viral load in infected cells and a decrease in viral mRNA (messenger RNA) which is required for the virus to reproduce in the host cell, suggesting that expsoure may be suitable for HPAI virus inactivation.
A study published in January of 2020 found reduction of the following viruses in platelets after UVC - LED light exposure:
- CCHFV
- SARS-CoV
- NiV
UV light is used to sterilize equipment and kill germs. It can be effective for killing viruses. However, not every kind of UV product you find is right for this purpose.
Warning: Bad UV Products
The World Health Organization issued a warning that UV radiation and UV lamps alone should not be used to combat the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously recommended the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as part of their crisis standards for decontamination. This is not the same technology as a UV lamp you might find online. Some marketers are making false presentations and insinuate that simple UV lights, not part of a greater ionization technology, can be safely and effectively used in residential and office settings. Please exercise caution when you are shopping online for a UV product for COVID-19.
Where to Buy a UV Light for the Home
If you are interested in using technology that leverages UV light, you can buy an air purifier with UV technology for your home. Air Oasis offers patented technology and has both whole home and single room air purifiers, most of which use UV to remove contaminants from the air.
Want to dive deeper? Learn more about your options and the best air purifiers you can buy online here.
If you want to shop online for an air purifier with UV light to improve you and your family’s health, visit our online store.
