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UV Air purifiers
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Air cleaners provides pollen and dust control
Before you purchase an air purifier for your home, there
are some factors you want to consider.
Our goal is to review various air purifiers and examine
the types of air filters they use, and the method of which
they provide air purification.
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UV (Ultra
Violet) Air Filters
Introduction
to Ultraviolet Light
The
sun generates ultraviolet rays-these rays are nature’s
air purifier. When sunlight passes through a prism it is
broken into its component colors, thus giving it the colors
of a rainbow. Each color, in turn, has its own wavelengths.
Ultraviolet light has four specific wavelengths that have
particular applications:
UV-A
is the source of suntanned skin-with its relatively longer
wavelength, can penetrate the atmosphere. Applications include
tanning beds and treatment of skin diseases.
UV-B is in the middle wavelength of the ultraviolet spectrum
and has been used to treat skin diseases, principally.
Shortwave UV Energy is primarily used as a sterilizer and
can be generated by specially designed UV lamps.
UV-C, or shortwave ultraviolet radiation, is used to destroy
bacteria and other biological contaminants in the air, in
liquids, food, or on surfaces.
Ultraviolet Light and Microorganisms.
Ultraviolet
rays with this UV-C wavelength will destroy pathogens such
as viruses, bacteria, mold, and mildew. This component of
sunlight is the main reason that microorganisms die in outdoor
air. The UV-C rays break through the outer membrane of microbes
like yeast, mold, bacteria, viruses, or algae. When the
radiation reaches the DNA of the microbe, it causes modifications.
The DNA then transmits incorrect codes and this causes the
death of the microbe.
Ultraviolet
germicidal lamps provide a much more powerful and concentrated
effect of ultraviolet energy than can be found naturally.
Such lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their
path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the
UV rays. Musty, moldy type odors can be eradicated, along
with tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses, smallpox, anthrax,
and other airborne diseases. This system is particularly
beneficial to those suffering from allergies-common allergens
are molds, mildews, and fungi. These microbes would be destroyed,
improving the health of the allergy sufferer.
Ultraviolet
germicidal irradiation has been studied since the 1930’s
and has been used to destroy the same microbes that cause
indoor air pollution. For many years, the medical industry
has used UV light to sanitize rooms and equipment. The Centers
for Disease Control recommend UV lamps for their germicidal
effect.
There
are some companies promoting UV air purifiers. One key point
is to find one that puts out the proper watts in order to eradicate
most of the bacteria, viruses, etc.
One
of the best I have found is the
Calutech UV Air Purifier.
Their Clear Air™ System (now known as the 'Blue')
provides upwards of 24,000 microwatts of UV energy-enough
to eradicate most any pathogen, including colds, flu, smallpox,
anthrax, molds, e coli, Legionnaires Disease, salmonella, staph, and many more. Our high output 'Blueray' produces
40,000.
The UV lamps are so efficient that once all air in the building
has passed this system an average 98% of microorganisms
are destroyed. And the cycle continues…namely, when
all the air in the building is cleaned a second time, 98%
of the remaining microorganisms are destroyed (this is 98%
of the 2% that were remaining from the first time).
The
CaluTech can be used in any home or building with forced air heating
and/or cooling. Anyone can install this system in about
15 minutes. You simply punch 2 holtes in the ductwork of
your ventilation system using the stick-on template and a hole saw.
The unit slides into the holes and 2 screws hold it in place.
Maintenance
is minimal. The UV lamps should be kept as dust-free as
possible to ensure their maximum effectiveness. This is
easily accomplished by regular changings of the air filter
which should be done anyway. The UV lamps should ideally
be replaced every 12 months for maximum effectiveness. They
can, however, be used for up to three years with less efficiency,
but this is not recommended. Replacement UV lamps are available
from CaluTech
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