By Dan Hounsell, Senior Editor

Healthcare facilities are among the most promising application types for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology, according to a recent survey by the Lighting Resource Center (LRC). Eighty-three percent of respondents selected healthcare applications, and one-half thought transportation and long-term care facilities were promising applications for UV disinfection systems. Fewer than one-third of respondents selected schools and colleges, restaurant food service, and office buildings among their top three rated application types.

The survey also asked respondents to select the three greatest concerns they had with UV disinfection technologies. Eighty-one percent of respondents were concerned about product safety. Also of concern were field verification of effectiveness (62%) and overall effectiveness of UV products (53%). One-third of respondents were concerned about damage to materials (33%) and the lack of clear building safety codes for use of UV disinfection in buildings (31%). Of lesser concern were ongoing maintenance (17%), high product cost (14%), and energy use (9%).

LRC administered the online survey asking about people's experiences with and concerns about UV disinfection products. The largest percentage of respondents were lighting specifiers (38%) followed by lighting manufacturers (28%). Also responding were energy service personnel (11%) and lighting manufacturers' representatives and distributors (9%).