Round Rock, TX − Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (ATL) and The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) are collaborating to share info on the efficacy of UV-C devices.

According to Dr. Benjamin Tanner, founder and president of ATL: “The UV room-disinfection device category is booming, and even some large chemical purveyors are entering the market.  All UV-C devices kill microorganisms to some extent, but with so many different configurations, features, run times, and UV wavelengths, it can be difficult for purchasers to determine effectiveness.”

ATL’s and HFI’s goal is to arm users and buyers of UV-C devices with information they need to properly evaluate efficacy.

“Given the proliferation of illnesses caused in part by surface-transmitted pathogens, it is important for the marketplace to understand its options for intervention, both chemical and non-chemical,” said Allen Rathey, founder and president of HFI.   “ATL is at the forefront of significant antimicrobial research and testing, and has considerable experience in testing a variety of modalities that work, both those using traditional chemical disinfectants and non-chemical methods, for example, those involving UV-C and dry steam vapor.”

According to the article, “Introduction to Ultraviolet (UV) Room Disinfection Devices” –

“UV light is a reliable, well-studied antimicrobial technology. It works primarily by destroying the DNA inside bacteria, viruses and fungi. The high-energy portion of the UV spectrum called UV-C is most effective. UV-C light has been used for decades to disinfect industrial surfaces and sanitize drinking water. It is especially advantageous for use in hospitals because it kills the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium difficile, which is a major source of hospital-acquired infections ... Several companies make and sell UV room disinfection devices … The machines come in a variety of configurations. All produce UV light using either mercury-UV bulbs that run continuously or xenon UV bulbs that pulse.”

For more information, see:

•  “Introduction to Ultraviolet (UV) Room Disinfection Devices”

•   “VA hospital uses UV light to reduce HAI”

•   “New CDC Study Confirms Effectiveness of UV-C Disinfection to Combat Harmful Pathogens”

About Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (ATL) 

Antimicrobial Test Laboratories (ATL) is an independent, GLP-compliant testing facility in Round Rock, Texas, whose mission is to improve public health by working seamlessly with customers through the antimicrobial research and development process.   Visit http://www.antimicrobialtestlaboratories.com.

About Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI)

The Healthy Facilities Institute® (HFI) Educational Center and Website strives to provide authoritative information for creating and maintaining clean, healthy indoor environments. Since buildings are ecosystems, HFI works to address the many interrelated aspects of built environments — such as air, water, energy, materials and resources, green cleaning, indoor environmental quality, waste management, people and more — as an integrated or holistic system. Inasmuch as “Clean” is a metaphor for healthy indoor spaces, HFI also emphasizes prevention and removal of pollutants or contaminants to help ensure optimum conditions for living, learning and working. Visit http://www.healthyfacilitiesinstitute.com.