By:  Tom Frederick

Being in the middle of flu season we all know that areas like conference room tables, stair railings, water cooler dispensers, photocopiers and reception desks should be frequently cleaned and disinfected because they can be breeding grounds for the flu virus and other bacteria. But did you know that a Bureau of Labor Statistics reported by Kimberly-Clark stated that employees who called in sick cost American companies a total of $55 billion in 2008? I want to shed some light on an innovative technology that may be gaining momentum in helping facility services personnel maintain a healthier workplace. The technology uses a spectrum of sunlight to sanitize surfaces, water and improve air quality.

Ultra-violet (UV-C) light kills germs and bacteria by penetrating bacteria and altering its genetic structure. The germ-killing frequency is found in sunlight, but is largely filtered by the atmosphere before reaching earth. Yet science has harnessed this natural disinfectant for routine use. Hospitals have used the technology for years to clean a variety of surfaces and to sanitize the air patients’ breathe.

Manufacturers have shown the technology to be extremely effective at killing contaminants. And manufacturers promote the technology as chemical-free and highly effective when administered correctly. The technology is gaining momentum in the consumer market where UV-C products are being used to disinfect everything from toothbrushes to furniture and aquariums. The technology is available in steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners—nearly doubling a vacuum’s effectiveness. It is also used in water treatment facilities and commercial HVAC and air-purification systems where it has earned high marks from the EPA and earned a LEED credit. The technology is eco-friendly cost-effective and is available through various retailers and distributors.

Whether it is in a commercial or consumer application, one expert remains skeptical regarding the marketing of the technology. It’s clear that UV-C rays kill germs, but it's unclear that using the technology makes a workplace significantly cleaner or healthier, says Elizabeth Scott, an Assistant Professor of Biology at Simmons College in Boston and the co-director and founder of the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community.

UV-C light is a natural and unique way to disinfect a variety of areas because it is economical and effective in killing up to 99% of germs. The most suitable application of the technology results when the use of water or chemicals won’t suffice. However, most experts agree that combatting germs in the typical office environment is important to maintain productivity and reduce employer costs related to sick staff, but doesn’t require the application of UV-C light. Right now, facilities personnel can do their part to maintain a cleaner work environment by 1) engaging Human Resources personnel in promoting a vaccination and hand washing program, 2) placing hand sanitizing gels and sanitizing wipes in common areas, 3) as well as frequent consultation with one’s existing cleaning provider to understand what is being done to clean the most contaminated areas.

References:

1.      First Influenza Case Confirmed in Wisconsin http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/News/PressReleases/2011/102111.htm

2.      The Healthy Workplace Project: Absenteeism Calculator http://www.healthyworkplaceproject.com/buildingmanager/impact.aspx

3.      UV-C Wand Touted as Super Weapon Against Germs http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-skeptic-23-2009mar23,0,7785067.story

4.      Verilux: The Healthy Lighting Company http://www.verilux.com/learn-more/healthy-cleaning

5.      Germicidal UV-C Lights Improve Clinical Pregnancy Rates for IVF Labs, New Study Finds http://www.steril-aire.com/ivf-lab.htm

6.      Installed UVC Earns LEED Credit http://www.steril-aire.com/images/sammamish-leed.pdf

7.      UV-C Light Nearly Doubles Vaccuum’s Effectiveness in Reducing Microbes http://www.healthyhouseinstitute.com/a_1135-Study_Says_UV_Light_Nearly_Doubles_Vacuums_Effectiveness_in_Reducing_Carpet_Microbes

8.      Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&;keywords=uvc+light&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4575748495&ref=pd_sl_343678c4w8_b

9.      Sterile-Aire Distributors http://www.steril-aire.com/distributors.htm