UV-C disinfection lighting
UV-C disinfection lighting
White paper
White paper

Air, surface and object
disinfection using

UV-C lightAir, surface and object
disinfection using
UV-C light

We are living in times ofuncertainty. As the worldcontinues to weather theglobal pandemic, there is anurgent demand for a proven,fast and effective way to help
protect people from harmful
bacteria and viruses.
Bacteria and viruses can cause a wide range of infections,
including COVID-19. Any contamination left behind on
the everyday things we come into contact with and the airthat we breathe can have a profound effect on our health.
Naturally, the constant need for permanent disinfection
poses many challenges to business owners and theirstaff. Managing costs, availability of cleaning equipment
and chemicals, training staff, as well as simply finding
sufficient time in busy schedules to prepare and maintainthe cleanliness of spaces, all need to be considered.

2

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light3

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an extensively tested, widely used andeffective no-contact method for inactivating viral pathogens.[1–3] Today,in the face of a global pandemic, the advantages of UV technology areapplicable to a far wider range of settings, where the risk of contracting
and spreading diseases from bacteria and viruses is ever present.
What is UV lighting?

How does UV-C work?

Ultraviolet (UV) is that part of electromagnetic lightbounded by the lower wavelength extreme of the visible
spectrum and the X-ray radiation band.The spectral rangeof UV light is, by definition between 100 and 400 nm(1 nm=10-9m) and is invisible to human eyes. Using theCIE classification the UV spectrum is subdivided into threebands:

Micro-organisms such as bacteria, moulds, yeasts andprotozoa can be destroyed or removed by physical,biological and chemical methods. UV-C works using aphotolytic effect whereby the radiation inactivates themicro-organism so that it can no longer multiply.

UVA (long-wave) from 315 to 400 nm

For DNA it does this by causing adjacent thymine bases
to form a chemical bond thus creating a dimmer and ifsufficient of these are created, DNA cannot replicate.

UVB (medium-wave) from 280 to 315 nm
UVC (short-wave) from 100 to 280 nm

Validating the effectiveness of UV-C
light sources on inactivating the virusthat causes COVID-19.

Incoming
UV Photon
UV-C

100

UV-B

280

315

400700Visible Light

Ultraviolet

Wavelengths (nm)Infrared

Wavelengths in the photobiological ultraviolet spectral
band known as UV-C have been shown to inactivate
bacteria, spores and viruses. The peak output of Philips
germicidal lamps (253.7nm) is close (80-85 %) to themaximum effectiveness of UV-C (265 nm).

Lamp output vs. effectiveness
100

Peak output line ofgermicidal lamp at 253.7 nm

8060
Relative outputof effectivenessOur test results show that abovea specific dose of UV-C radiation,
viruses were completely inactivated:in a matter of seconds we could nolonger detect any virus.”

UV-A

Before UV-C light exposure

After UV-C light exposure

All bacteria and viruses tested to date (many hundreds
over the years, including various coronaviruses) respondto UV-C disinfection.[4] A clear indication that UV-C lightshould play a valuable part in the protection strategy
agianst COVID-19.

Germicidal effectivenesscurve with peak at 265 nm

4020180210240

270300330360

Wavelength innanometers (nm)[1]	Darnell, M.E.R. et al. Inactivation of the coronavirus that induces severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS-CoV. J Virol Methods 121, 85–91,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jviromet.2004.06.00 (2004).
[2]	McDevitt, J.J. et al. Aerosol susceptibility of influenza virus to UV-C light. Appl Environ Microbiol 78, 1666–1669,
https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.06960-11 (2012).
[3]	Buonanno, M., et al. Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses. Sci Rep 10, 10285,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67211-2 (2020).
[4]	Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses and Algae Revised, updated and expanded byAdel Haji Malayeri, Madjid Mohseni, Bill Cairns and James R. Bolton. With earlier contributions by Gabriel Chevrefils (2006) and Eric Caron (2006)
With peer review by Benoit Barbeau, Harold Wright (1999) and Karl G. Linden
4Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light

Dr. Anthony Griffiths
Associate Professor of Microbiology atBoston University School of Medicine

Together with the National Emerging Infectious Diseases
Laboratories (NEIDL)[5] at Boston University in the US, wehave conducted research that validates the effectivenessof Signify’s UV-C light sources on the inactivation of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Since the start of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, Dr. Anthony
Griffiths, Associate Professor of Microbiology at Boston
University School of Medicine and his team have beenworking on developing tools to support scientificadvancement in this field. In a study conducted by theNational Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories(NEIDL) at Boston University in a laboratory setting,Signify’s UV-C light sources irradiating the surface ofa material inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus thatcauses the COVID-19 disease) with a UV-C irradiance of
0.849 mW/cm2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity tobelow detectable levels in as few as 9 seconds for driedvirus and 4 seconds for wet virus.[6]The test results suggest that UV-C is an affordable and effective
tool for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in inoculated surfaces thatcan easily be deployed to help combat the current COVID-19
pandemic.

[5]	The NEIDL is a state-of-the-art research facility that encompasses significant containment laboratories at Biosafety Level -2, -3, and -4[6]	Nadia Storm et al., Rapid and complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by ultraviolet-C irradiation, 2020. Subject to peer review and available only asa pre-print at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-65742/v2

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light5

Ultimate protection
for air, surfaces andobjects

Two hospital controlled studies[9,10] have shown upper
air UV-C disinfection to be about 80 % effective against
tuberculosis (TB) spread. Even when the radiation is
confined to the upper room, good air mixing (ideallywith low-velocity ceiling fans, but easily accomplishedby other types of forced-air ventilation) results in very
high equivalent air changes per hour (ACH) in the lower,
occupied space – estimated to be an additional 24 ACH in
a South African study.[9]The official position of the World Health Organization(WHO) is that the COVID-19 virus is spread by contact withlarge respiratory droplets, directly or indirectly by touchingcontaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose,or mouth.[7] Research is underway to determine the degreeof airborne spread – meaning virus in particles so smallthat they remain suspended in air.
The Philips range of UV-C lamps, luminaires, devices,
control systems and services can be used in a variety of air,surface and object disinfection applications.

Air conditioning systems
In air conditioning systems, high output (HO) UV lamps
will keep the cooling coil free from biofilm. Combined withphotocatalytic oxidation they can also remove VCOs suchas odors. Depending on the size of the system, this will
require up to 150W of power in commercial applications, orup to 25W in residential applications.[11]Air disinfection
Upper air luminaires
In rooms where people are present, upper air UV-C
disinfection luminaires can be installed to help tocontinuously disinfect air. These systems are usually
installed at a height of above 2,4 m. By making useof parabolic reflectors, and non-reflective lamellas,
the ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) can beconcentrated in a zone, namely the upper area of a room.
Through the mechanism of natural convection of air or withthe help of mechanical ventilation in the room, air flows
from the lower areas of a room where people are present
to the upper areas of a room and gets disinfected as it
passes through the UV-C irradiated zone.[8]103,0Low intensity

High intensity
Low intensity

8Height (feet) (meters)

2,46

UV Luminaire

Surface disinfection generally requires high-intensity
short-wave UV light. In high contact areas such as schools,
retail outlets, industry, offices and public transportation,
UV-C can be used for a deep disinfection of surfaces (e.g.,floors, walls).

Open UV luminaires
Fixed installation on the ceiling, radiating UV-C directly
without shielding, therefore no people can be present inthe room. A control system and appropriate safeguards arerequired to be installed together with open UV luminaires
to ensure correct and safe usage of the system.

1,841,220,62 0,64 1,26 1,88 2,4

10 3,0 12 3,714 4,3Distance from back of fixture (feet)(meters)[7]	IES Committee Report CR-2-20-V1a (IES Photobiology Committee, 2020)[8]	Natural convection of air is a pre-requisite of any UV-C upper air
disinfection luminaire solution. Signify usually recommends a design ofits UV-C upper air disinfection luminaire solutions taking into account2 ACH (air changes per hour) as a minimum requirement.

6Surface disinfection

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light

UV-C trolleys
These can be positioned centrally in a standard-sizedroom to inactivate viruses and bacteria on surfaces.
To support the operator in set up and usage, additionalsafeguard controls as a timer to plan disinfection for a predefined period, remote control, voice alarm and key locks
are included. Additional containment safeguards (suchas the user manual and mounting instruction) should bedeployed together with the UV-C trolley in order to ensurethat no people or animals are exposed to the UV-C rays.

[9]	Mphaphlele M, Dharmadhikari AS, Jensen PA, Rudnick SN, van Reenen TH, Pagano MA, Leuschner W, Sears TA, Milonova SP, van der Walt M, et al.
Institutional tuberculosis transmission. Controlled trial of upper room ultraviolet air disinfection: A basis for new dosing guidelines. Amer J Respir Crit
Care Med. 2015;192(4):477-84.
[10]	Miller SL. Upper room germicidal ultraviolet systems for air disinfection are ready for wide implementation (editorial). Am J Respir Crit Care Med.
2015;192(4):407-9.
[11]	Ultraviolet air and surface treatment (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), available at https://www.ashrae.org
Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light7

Object disinfection
Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 5 days[12], so devices
which come into regular contact or are shared between
people can provide a higher risk.
UV-C disinfection chambers are designed for the disinfectionof objects. Typical usage includes disinfection of sharedobjects such as headsets, handheld scanners and devices,and even returned clothing in retail stores.
Our UV-C surface disinfection products, fitted with ourUV-C light sources, can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (the virusthat causes COVID-19 disease) on surfaces by more than
99% to below detectable levels.[13]Benefits of Philips UV-C
disinfection luminaires
Reliable
In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C
light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus
infectivity on a surface to below detectablelevels in as few as 9 seconds.[14]EffectiveAll bacteria and viruses tested to daterespond to UV-C disinfection.[15]Efficient
Disinfects air, surfaces and objects innumerous applications as part of a multibarrier strategy, saving cleaning time andsanitizer cost.

Safety in mind
Philips UV-C products come with physicallyintegrated equipment or time safeguards,
or are otherwise to be installed withcontainment safeguards, to enable safe
operation. In addition, we provide training
materials to help educate on the correct
installation, usage and maintenance of ourUV-C products.

Environmentally friendly
All our UV-C solutions emit no ozonegases during or after use.

No toxic chemicals

Versatile
Innovative, high-quality solutions that aresuitable for a wide range of applications.

As UV-C disinfection is based on radiation it’s a physical,
rather than a chemical process thus eliminating the needto make, handle, transport or store toxic, hazardous or
corrosive chemicals. It’s a simple, sustainable and safety
conscious solution. The disinfection effect is directly
related to the UV-C dose and leaves no chemical residue,
unlike liquid cleaning processes.
However, it is strongly recommended to use UV-C
disinfection as part of a disinfection strategy that also
includes sanitizing hands, surfaces and objects with liquid
disinfectants.

[12]	Source: World Health Organization[13]	In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as 9seconds (Nadia Storm et al., 2020, accessible at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-65742/v2). In this study, an exposure to an UV-C
irradiance of 0.849 mW/cm2 for the duration of 9 seconds was applied, resulting in an UV-C dose of 7.64 mJ/cm2. Our UV-C surface disinfection
products (fitted with our UV-C light sources) will achieve the same level of virus infectivity reduction as long as the same UV-C dose is achieved oneach area of surface that is irradiated.

8Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light[14]	Nadia Storm et al, Rapid and complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by ultraviolet-C irradiation, 2020. Subject to peer review and available only as apre-print at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-65742/v2. The UV-C irradiance used in this study was 0.849 mW/cm2.
[15]	Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses and Algae Revised, updated and expanded by Adel
Haji Malayeri, Madjid Mohseni, Bill Cairns and James R. Bolton. With earlier contributions by Gabriel Chevrefils (2006) and Eric Caron (2006) With peer
review by Benoit Barbeau, Harold Wright (1999) and Karl G. Linden

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light9Safety first. And second. And third.
All disinfection solutions emit UV-C light in varying
amounts, which can be harmful in some circumstances.
That’s why our products are designed with safety in mind
and have very clear installation and usage instructions toavoid exposure to UV-C light, which can damage the eyesor skin.
When used by professionals and people with UV
experience, Philips UV lamps and devices present
minimal risk. Philips UV-C products are delivered witha range of safeguards and instructions. They come withphysically integrated equipment or time safeguards,
such as presence or motion detection sensors or timers,
or otherwise they are to be installed with containment
safeguards to enable correct operation. The safe usage ofour products is additionally supported by:	A user manual on correct operation, usage andmaintenance.

Helping to protect people wherever they are	Training materials on safety installation standards
and compliance – including integration with an alarmsystem, BMS or control system.	Disinfection recipes that specify reach, distance andtime of dosage for specific microorganisms.	Experienced experts for end-to-end support fromdesign-in and specification to installation, usage andmaintenance.
In addition to these safety measures, we strongly
recommend that all warnings are clearly communicated on
third-party websites, information and instruction materials,
as well as in face-to-face meeting and safety briefings.
UV-C light should always be used by professionals inaccordance with the safety requirements and instructions
to avoid humans and animals from being exposed to it
since it can damage their skin and eyes.

RetailSchools

Offices

Keep shelves and counters freefrom contamination.

Disinfect classroom walls, floors,desks and surfaces.

Neutralize work rooms, restrooms,
meeting spaces and corridors.

Transportation

Food outlets

Hospitality

Disinfect carriages,compartments,
seats and armrests.

Eliminate pathogens on preparation
surfaces and equipment.

Disinfect guest rooms, healthclubs and reception areas.

We’re well prepared so you can be:with the Philips UV-C disinfection portfolio.
Get more information and find the right productfor you now at philips.com/uv.c

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Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light

Air, surface and object disinfection using UV-C light11

2016 Koninklijke© 2020Koninklijke Philips
Philips N.V.
N.V. AllAll rights
rights reserved.
reserved. Philips
Philips reserves
reserves thethe right
right toto makemake changes
changes ininspecifications and/or to discontinue any product at any time without notice or obligation andwill not be liable for any consequences resulting from the use of this publication.

www.philips.com/uv-c
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