The Spread of Viruses
Strictly speaking, viruses can't die, for the simple reason that they aren't alive in the first place. Although they contain genetic instructions in the form of DNA (or the related molecule, RNA), viruses can't thrive independently. Instead, they must invade a host organism and hijack its genetic instructions.
UVC deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease.
Ultraviolet Light
The Science of UV-C (Ultraviolet Light)
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UV radiation is present in sunlight, and contributes about 10% of the total light output of the Sun. There are three different types of UV rays; A, B and C. While they are similar, each type of ray has a different wavelength and can penetrate surfaces to a certain extent.
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UV-C light is weak at the Earth's surface as the ozone layer of the atmosphere blocks most of it. The absorption length of UV-C radiation in human skin is extremely short so that almost no UV-C radiation can reach the living cells in the skin; all the absorption occurs in the dead cell layers.
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UV-C light has a short wavelength and is germicidal. The germicidal range of UV-C is within the 100-280nm wavelengths, with the peak wavelength for germicidal activity being 265 nm*. It deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease.
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The UV process is a physical process as opposed to a chemical process. This is important, because it allows UV to kill bacteria and other microorganisms without creating what is known as disinfection by-products (like trihalomethanes, called THMs for short, which are proven to be carcinogenic).
How UV-C Eliminates Pathogenic Spread
In simple terms, when a pathogen (virus, bacteria or another type of microbe) is directly exposed to UV-C light, the DNA (its fundamental building block) of the cell is damaged, preventing it from replicating.
If a cell cannot reproduce, then the cell cannot cause infection, which is how UV light eliminates pathogens ability to multiply and spread.
Why Choose UV-C?
Conventional disinfectants can quickly kill and reduce the number of bacteria on a surface, however, once the solution dries, the bacteria regrows and returns to unsafe levels. The HoldSafe unit operates continuously and does not allow bacteria to regrow. Testing shows that after the first hour of typical use, a 98% bacteria elimination level is maintained continuously as the escalator or walkway operates. Persistent prevention is the only solution to prevent the spread of viruses.
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Does it Work?
The HoldSafe unit has been tested in certified labs and real-world applications. The use of UV-C to eliminate pathogens has been proven in multiple medical journal studies and research. Please contact us for detailed references and our test reports.
*References:
Accredited Testing for HoldSafe and the Virus Causing Covid-19
Only HoldSafe has been tested in an accredited laboratory for its' effectiveness on the virus causing coronaviruses, including Covid-19, on actual handrail material.
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An active sample of a Covid-19 surrogate virus was deposited on escalator handrail material to simulate a real-life case of contamination on an escalator or moving walk. HoldSafe UV technology was tested until significant antiviral activity was measured which ranged from 1 to 8 seconds* of exposure. HoldSafe is proven to yield significant antiviral activity in as few as 2 handrail cycles*.
* Depending on configuration of Handrail UV disinfection units.
The use of any UVC device is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices. Where required, users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces issued by regulatory agencies.
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UVC disinfection results will vary depending on escalator handrail speed and load factor, no specific claim can be made by any UVC product for use in this environment. Please contact PürHealth directly for specific performance information related to disinfection effectiveness.
