HVAC - Style UVC Lights Reduce Fungal Contamination
A research study conducted in a 286,000 sq. ft. office building in Tulsa, OK concluded that UVC light fixtures are effective in reducing fungal contamination with air handling units. Fungal contamination has been found as a major contributor to building related illnesses.
Dr. Estelle Levetin a mycologist from the University of Tulsa Faculty of Biological Science conducted the study. The study involved eight air handlers: four control unit with UVC lights and four without. The research team took air and surface samples from all the air handlers in the spring before the cooling season and in the fall when it was concluded.
The surface samples, taken from the air handlers' insulation prior to cooling season and before the UVC lights were turned on, contained nearly identical mean concentrations of fungi – approximately 212-213 x 103 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm2. After cooling season, in the air handlers with no UVC lights the fungal concentration increased more than two fold to 30.5 x 10squared 3 while in the UVC treated air handlers the concentration decreased to 30.5 x 103 CFU/Cm2. This represents nearly 99% reduction in the contamination of the insulation surfaces. Similar results occurred with the air samples.
In conclusion Dr. Levetin states that "Germicidal UV irradiation may be an effective approach to reducing fungal contamination within AHUs.Ó
The UVC lights that were used in this study were manufactured by Steril Aire for a complete study contact Forrest Fencl at
Steril-aire@msn.com
