India has been observing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks. As of 27th July 2022, there were 1,45,026 active cases in the country.

An article published in Nature journal states that COVID-19 is likely to persist and continue evolving. Predicting the virus’s behavior is challenging, and countries need to be prepared to adapt. A team of biologists explains that SARS-CoV-2 is highly adept at finding new hosts, and vaccinated individuals can still get infected. Therefore, the transmission of coronavirus is expected to continue.

Given this situation, it is crucial for commercial spaces such as offices, malls, retail shops, hotels, and restaurants to diligently follow COVID-19 protocols to safeguard their stakeholders and prevent the spread of the virus. In addition to measures like wearing masks, practicing social distancing, maintaining cleanliness, and emphasizing hand hygiene, it is recommended for commercial spaces to invest in a reliable air purification system as an extra precaution. Air purifiers are easily accessible and can serve as a solution.

The Need for Air Purifiers

Indoor air in commercial spaces contains harmful microorganisms such as pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and mold. This can have detrimental effects on the health of employees and visitors, leading to respiratory issues, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, asthma flares, and allergy symptoms.

Furthermore, there is substantial evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can spread through airborne transmission. Commercial establishments are particularly susceptible to the spread of coronavirus due to their enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that infected aerosols can linger in the air or travel beyond conversational distance in poorly ventilated spaces.

An air purifier draws in outside air and filters it, removing pollutants and harmful particles, before releasing clean and fresh air into the indoor space. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when used correctly, commercial UV air purifiers can reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in confined spaces.

Air Purifier Technology

There are four primary types of air purifier technologies:

• Activated Carbon Filter
• Ionizer
• High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter
• Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

UVGI is a proven and effective technique that has been widely used for disinfecting surfaces, water, and air for many years. Dr. Bryan Stone, MD, Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Chief of Medicine Emeritus for Desert Regional Medical Center, stated, “It’s time to consider UV-C light air purification more seriously to help protect against airborne pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia.”

UVGI utilizes UV-C light with a wavelength of 254 nm to damage the genetic material of viruses such as DNA and RNA, thereby inactivating them and preventing their reproduction. Several studies have demonstrated that UVC air disinfection can eliminate over 99.9% of airborne coronavirus particles.

UVGI air purifiers can be integrated into HVAC systems to eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms, making the air safer to breathe. Additionally, UVGI air purifiers can improve airflow by reducing the buildup of contaminants in the HVAC system.

The UVGI technology offers numerous benefits, especially in combating airborne transmission, such as that of coronavirus. For instance, while an activated carbon filter alone cannot remove harmful airborne particulates and needs to be used alongside ionic, HEPA, or UV technology, an ionizer only captures small particles and pathogens, whereas UVGI destroys them to prevent their circulation in the air. Although HEPA filters are highly effective, they only collect active viruses without killing them and require frequent maintenance and replacement. In contrast, UVGI immediately inactivates the virus and is a cost-effective technology.

Alfaa UV Solutions for UV Disinfection of Air

With more than 20 years of experience in UV technology, Alfaa UV is a reputable name in the industry. It provides innovative UVGI solutions for surfaces, upper air, and HVAC applications to reduce the risk of infections.

The following Alfaa UV commercial air purifiers are recommended for disinfecting the air in your commercial space and combating coronavirus:

1. ULTRACOIL: Ideal for deep cleaning of HVAC coils, this unit features a unique Parabolic Reflector System that proactively removes bio-films to prevent air contamination and drain pans.

2. ULTRADUCT: Suitable for single-pass disinfection of airborne bacteria and viruses, it can be installed in supply or return ducts and also extends the lifespan of HEPA filters in HVAC systems.