Indoor disinfection lamps can worsen air quality

January 30, 2023  16:53

Ultraviolet lamps for disinfecting rooms can worsen indoor air quality, scientists from the University of Helsinki have revealed, Environmental Science & Technology reported.

Ultraviolet radiation can kill various infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need to disinfect large volumes of air, but the impact of this method on human health is unknown.

In a new study, scientists have found that UV disinfection lights significantly increase concentrations of certain gases and fine particles that are associated with several respiratory diseases.

Scientists believe that it is better not to enter the room immediately after disinfection, but to wait 30-40 minutes, or to use an effective respirator.

They also noted that the results cannot be applied to other devices because air quality depends on the duration and wavelength of UV radiation, as well as the size, ventilation and air quality of the room to be disinfected. The scientists' conclusions show that further research is needed.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter


 
  • Video
 
 
  • Event calendar
 
 
  • Archive