Viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms spread through the air in tiny droplets of water known as aerosols. They can survive there for a long time and easily spread from host to host. The risk is particularly high in rooms where many people are present, such as cafés or restaurants. Often, a contributing factor is that these rooms are difficult to ventilate or there is no central ventilation– ideal conditions for viruses. Additionally, in winter, ventilation creates cold drafts which is unpleasant and costly. UV-C light is very effective against viruses, bacteria and fungi. UV-C light easily destroys the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its mutations, because they have only a thin lipid (fat) layer which UV-C light easily penetrates to destroy the virus immediately.
Everyone would like to sit in a café and comfortably drink a cappuccino or eat something. Typical hygiene measures, such as social distancing or wearing a mask, help to protect against infections. Adding air purification devices is even better, enabling customers to sit in the café feeling safe. Jens Arndt, master confectioner and operator of Café Schien in Hanau, Germany, installed two UV-C air purifiers in the dining area. He already knew the disinfecting capability of UVC light because he uses UV-C in his aquarium at home to destroy algae and bacteria. “I didn’t hesitate for a second when I heard about the air sterilization devices from Heraeus,” he reports. “All businesses, especially food service and restaurants, should recognize this opportunity for themselves. After all, it is not only the customers who should be able to breathe a sigh of relief in the truest sense of the word. Rather, it is also important to protect your servers and wait staff!”
For the first time the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (FBP) confirmed the effectiveness of air disinfection with a self-contained UV-C air purification device. Using a sophisticated scientific test to simulate real classroom conditions FBP verified Heraeus UV-C air purification devices can reduce the virus load in closed rooms by over 99%. Additional tests with the Hygiene Institute biotec and the University Hospital in Tübingen, also confirmed the disinfecting capability of UV-C light.
Advantages of UV-C disinfection with Heraeus Soluva equipment:
- Chemical-free
- Filter-free – no hazardous filter removal
- Low maintenance
- Environmentally friendly: no ozone or by-products
- Safe to use in occupied areas
- Germs can’t build up resistance to UV-C
