CONTROLLING TUBERCULOSIS TRANSMISSION WITH UVGI
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate shows that India reports the highest number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases globally. It accounts for one-fourth of the global burden of this disease, with 26% of total cases and 35% of all deaths. More worryingly, India’s annual TB rate rose by 19% in 2021.
These statistics emphasize the urgent need to address the public health threat posed by TB. Let’s explore more about this disease and effective measures to control its transmission.
Understanding TB
TB is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, and kidneys, caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
An individual with active TB will exhibit noticeable symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever, and blood in the cough. However, some people may have silent or latent TB, meaning they show no visible symptoms of illness. TB bacteria can remain dormant in a person’s body for several years but can become active at any time without warning. Patients with silent TB can also infect others, especially children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and those with weakened immune systems, posing a real health risk to both patients and others.
Transmission of TB
TB spreads from one person to another through the air, earning it the label of an airborne disease. When infected individuals cough, sneeze, talk, or sing, they release Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the air in the form of aerosol droplets. Those who inhale this air are at risk of contracting a TB infection.
Crowded spaces such as hospitals, laboratories, restaurants, offices, and malls are more susceptible to TB outbreaks, particularly if Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is poor. TB bacteria can survive longer in poorly lit and poorly ventilated rooms.
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Measures to Cure and Prevent TB
The primary treatment for curing TB involves prescribing medicines to the infected person. Unfortunately, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can become resistant to pharmaceutical drugs, rendering them ineffective in treating TB patients.
Hence, the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ holds true for TB as well. Preventing the transmission of TB infection is the best strategy that governments and public and private entities can implement.
One of the best methods to reduce the risk of TB transmission is through the use of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air purifiers.
Role of UVGI Air Purifiers in TB Transmission Control
UVGI is a proven air purification technology that has been around for decades. It is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength UV-C light to kill and inactivate 99.9% of airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and other microbiological organisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
International organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), WHO, and Centres for Disease and Control (CDC) recommend UVGI for TB prevention and control.
The air sterilization occurs by using air purifiers fitted with a UV lamp in the ductwork of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The UVGI light damages the DNA and RNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens, preventing them from replicating. UVGI then disinfects the air before recirculating it in the room.
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This ensures that the air people breathe is cleaner and safer, thus reducing the risk of TB and other airborne infectious diseases.
Alfaa UV Solutions for UV-Based Air Purification
Alfaa UV is a well-established UV brand with over 20 years of experience in this technology. Their range of products includes modern and innovative UV sterilizer machines as well as UV solutions for surfaces, upper air, and HVAC applications to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, including TB.
Consider the following Alfaa UV products for installation in the HVAC system:
- ULTRACOIL: It aids in the deep cleaning of HVAC coils and has a unique Parabolic Reflector System that proactively removes biofilms to prevent air contamination and drain pans.
- ULTRADUCT: Useful for single-pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses, it is installed in supply or return ducts and enhances the lifespan of HEPA filters in HVAC systems.
Untreated or undiagnosed TB can become fatal for an infected person and can easily be transmitted to others through the air. Therefore, preventive measures are essential to control and contain its spread. UVGI is one of the best technologies for disinfecting airborne bacteria.
