In the 1930’s almost everyone contracted measles at some point in their childhood. Many were permanently injured by the disease and, for some, the disease was fatal. In 1941, a study was completed where Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) was used successfully to prevent the spread of measles among children in Philadelphia schools. Through the mid-1950s and into the early 1970s, experiments found that irradiating the upper portion of a room with UVGI effectively reduced the transmission of tuberculosis in guinea pigs.
A vaccine was developed for tuberculosis in 1921 and became widely used after World War II, so upper room UVGI was never largely used in the United States. However, in developing countries where tuberculosis is more common, upper room UVGI has been successfully implemented in high occupancy locations such as jails, homeless shelters, and hospitals. Studies where these products have been implemented show a transmission rate for tuberculosis decrease between 70 and 80%.
Today, as the world is developing strategies for coping with SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus), the lighting industry has been on the forefront, bringing several safe and reliable UVGI solutions to the market. Hubbell Lighting’s SpectraClean 254 technology implements Upper Room Disinfection as an effective method for killing bacteria such as mold, fungi, and yeast. But, for a timelier application: SpectraClean 254 also inactivates viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus), Coxsackle virus B5 (Hand, Foot, and Mouth), and Influenza (Flu).
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have developed standards for UVGI, guiding reputable manufacturers to develop safe and effective solutions. If you would like to know more about Hubbell’s SpectraClean 254 or other solutions for reducing the transmission of Coronavirus in your facility, please reach out to one of CBT’s Lighting Specialists or your CBT Account Manager.
