The Global Lighting Association (GLA) issued a position statement containing guidelines for measuring the inactivation of airborne pathogens by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technologies. The guidelines are particularly relevant in the battle against COVID-19.
UVGI air disinfection technology is an established method for reducing infection risks caused by a wide range of contagious airborne diseases such as measles, influenza, and tuberculosis. It follows that UVGI is a key tool in reducing the level of indoor air contamination posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Pathogen inactivation theory and mathematical modeling are well established and described in existing UVGI literature.
The position statement outlines a methodology for quantifying the microbial cleaning capabilities of a UVGI product in a test chamber. These results can then be used to determine the product’s disinfection capabilities in real-life applications such as classrooms, offices, hospital wards, restaurants, etc.
The GLA calls on an appropriate standards development organization to further refine the methodology contained in the position statement.
Guidelines for Quantification of Airborne Pathogen Inactivation by UVGI Technologies may be downloaded from the GLA’s website.
