There are several different options when it comes to ultraviolet sanitizers and ultraviolet sanitizer systems that are very safe to use in public types of settings when humans are present. These systems are enclosed so the UV light is contained, preventing any possible health risks. UV sanitizers that are mounted within the coil systems of HVAC systems and air conditioners are shielded, preventing any possible concerns while still providing very high levels of sterilization in the air while the systems are in place. The coils themselves, often home to bacteria, yeast, molds and other contaminants and also kept free from these irritants, ensuring a very healthy indoor air quality or IAQ.

There are also mobile room ultraviolet sterilizers that are used only in vacant rooms. These types of UV sanitizers are designed to deliver maximum UV light, effectively killing or deactivating any microorganisms in the room. They do not require the air to circulate through but rather rely on the UV light rays to complete the damage. These systems have specially designed safety features.

What types of safety features are typical of mobile types of UV sanitizers?

Mobile types of UV sanitizers that are designed for use in vacant spaces should have several different types of safety features. One particular consideration is a LED type of display that clearly indicates what part of the sterilization cycle the system is in at any time it is plugged in. This LED display needs to be easily visible on the unit, even from a distance.

Another safety feature should include multidirectional infrared motion detectors that immediately shut off the unit when any type of movement is detected. This is an important consideration to avoid any accidental exposure to the high UV rays. These detectors should be mounted on each side of the mobile unit to provide complete coverage regardless of how the ultraviolet sterilizer may be positioned in the room.

How is a mobile UV sterilizer able to successfully clean the air in all areas of the room during the sterilization cycle?

Using high output UV lamps that are strategically positioned to provide maximum light distribution, mobile UV sterilizers simply shine the UV lights and create a comprehensive coverage of the room. In addition to the strategic location of the long UV germicidal bulbs, there are also built in reflectors that shine the light up and out, ensuring a full coverage of the room area. Killing the microorganisms occurs immediately as the UV light floods the room, however the areas closest to the light in a circular pattern are most quickly sterilized, then the sterilization radiates outwards. In most standard sized rooms with 9 foot ceilings the typical time to kill all airborne viruses and bacteria is not more than 5 minutes. Molds, which have a thicker protective layer are the most resistant to deactivation by UV light and will require up to three hours for full sterilization to occur.