Single Pass Test: UV Deadly for Airborne Microbes
This study introduced a common bacterium into a galvanized air duct equipped with a UV light to determine how effective the lamp would be in reducing the bacteria with one exposure, or a “single pass.” The tests were conducted at two speeds: 1125 cfm and
2250 cfm in an 18” x 18” duct. The UV lamp yielded at least a 90% reduction of the test bacteria with a single airflow pass at 1125 cfm, and at least 71% reduction at 2250 cfm.
Cumulative Tests: Multiple Exposures Dramatically Improve IAQ
To further investigate the effectiveness of UV on indoor air quality, Microbe Management created a series of tests designed to measure the cumulative effect of UV in reducing airborne contaminants. The tests were performed in a structure with two isolated 8’ x 8’ x 8’ rooms where air could be sampled. In the control room, no UV was present, while the
other room utilized a portable UV air purifier.
According to Bernard Kane,
Ph. D., of Microbe Management, “Test results were very encouraging. In both rooms, we introduced a resistant, spore- forming bacteria until the air was saturated with 350 colonies per cubic foot. In the room with the portable UV unit, the spore count
was reduced by 50% in just 10 minutes and by 98% within 30 minutes. In the control room, without UV, more than 85% of the bacteria were still active after thirty minutes.” Similarly, the leading consumer UV “tower” model was also tested, but showed only minimal effectiveness. (See chart below.)
Conclusion: UV Is An Effective Part of “Whole House” Solution
individuals with depressed immune systems, asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions. For homes without
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