Ultraviolet energy is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light. The UV spectrum is classed into three main categories;

• UV-A mostly absorbed through sunlight, is a long wavelength between 315-400nm.
• UV-B commonly responsible for skin reddening and skin cancer is a medium wavelength of 280-315nm.
• UV-C is the short wavelength of 100-280nm which has the ability to kill or inactivate micro-organisms.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) systems typically consist of UV lamps which produce UV-C radiation. The lamps are fairly similar to fluorescent lighting and usually have a ballast device and / or electronic units to operate. The lamps contain a small quantity of mercury or mercury amalgam and emit Ultraviolet Light with a wavelength of 254nm. This is close to the optimal wavelength required to damage and disrupt DNA in organisms. When using the lamps there are a number of safety aspects that need to be adhered to, ensuring that the emitted light is not in direct contact with humans.

The effectiveness of the devices relies on the dose of radiation delivered to a given body of air. The dose rate is determined by a combination of intensity of the light and time of exposure. It is also known that these devices are more effective against some organisms than others. The devices can be used to assist  with reducing the levels of viruses and contaminants in the air.

UVGI systems alone should not be considered a complete solution for managing microorganisms and should be used as part of a broader multimodal infection control strategy.

UV lamps are often used in air handling units. There are also in-room type units that are self-contained complete with built in fans, reflectors, diffusers, filters, controls and catalysts. The following provides an overview of typical options and what is involved with UVGI.

In general terms, where the air is moving fast and time of exposure is low, there needs to be more lamps (i.e. AHU application) or mirrors (fan assisted room unit) to amplify the intensity of the light. Where the air moves slower fewer lamps can be used (i.e. upper room units).

Upper Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation

These units work by irradiating the unoccupied parts of a room. They rely on air drifting in front of the UV rays for enough time to destroy the microorganisms suspended in the air. The units typically have 1 or 2 lamps, a parabolic reflector and diffuser to stop the light being directed onto room occupants.