UV Lamps Can Reduce Sickness

In a study published in the Lancet medical journal, Canadian scientists found that by using ultraviolet lamps to kill germs in ventilation systems, worker sickness was reduced by about 20 percent, including a 40 percent drop in breathing problems.

About 70 percent of the work force in North America and Western Europe work indoors, and have frequently unexplained health problems such as irritation of the eyes, throat and nose, as well as respiratory illnesses.  Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI, is sometimes used in hospital ventilation systems to disinfect the air. 

The use of the UV lamps resulted in a 20 percent overall reduction in all symptoms for some workers; and a 40 percent reduction in respiratory symptoms and a 30 percent reduction in mucous problems.  The benefits were greatest for workers with allergies and for people who had never smoked.

With this study as a reference, it's surprising more homeowners are not seriously looking at installing a UV system in their ventilation system, especially in homes where one or more of the family members struggle with allergies and/or respiratory disorders. 

Comments

[Nitrile Gloves]

This is quite interesting and informative a posting for sure. Indeed, if using of ultraviolet lamps to kill germs in ventilation systems can actually reduce worker sickness, then it would be such a wonderful achievement.