Before, during, and after the coronavirus outbreak, the main priority of Corvus Janitorial Systems is the health and safety of our customers and the community at large. Now that we all know how important advanced cleaning and disinfecting strategies are, we’re shedding light on some of the ways that our services help combat this virus, other viruses, and everyday germs and bacteria. One method that has been gaining a lot of attention recently is ultraviolet (UV) light cleaning and disinfecting.
There are several different options for UV cleaning and disinfecting, but some are riskier than others. Professional-level UV cleaning and disinfecting are ideal, while certain at-home devices and products (UV lamps as hand sanitizers, in particular) should be avoided. UV phone cases and self-cleaning water bottles, when used properly, are safer consumer devices to use at home. But what about UV cleaning and disinfecting at the office? Can UV light really work as a disinfectant? Is it safe? Read on to find out.
UV Light Cleaning and Disinfecting
What is UV disinfecting?
UV light has been used for decades to kill bacteria and viruses. Since mid-March, germicidal ultraviolet technology has been getting a lot of attention. It is so effective that it’s often used in hospitals, where high-level cleaning and disinfecting has always been a necessity. Cleaning professionals in medical settings use UV devices to reduce the spread of bacteria and bugs that are resistant to medication, as well as effective disinfection in surgical rooms. Now, many professionals are using (or considering) UV light cleaning and disinfecting in schools, offices, and restaurants. This can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus as these settings reopen and adjust to the new normal.
How does UV disinfection work?
This process involves using UV-C light to clean and disinfect. This man-made light is one of three classes of UV light. Like UV-A and UV-B, UV-C comes primarily from the sun. But UV-C is the one that doesn’t reach us because our atmosphere absorbs it first. UV-C lights are used in sanitizing devices to disinfect surfaces. The light in these devices is strong enough to demolish the genetic material in bacteria and viruses. Because this particular class of light doesn’t reach the Earth, we can’t achieve the same effects by simply increasing sun exposure.
One important thing to keep in mind is that this particular coronavirus strain has been around for such a short amount of time that researchers haven’t been able to perform sufficient studies on the efficacy of all of the applicable cleaning and disinfecting methods yet. But we know that it has worked on previous coronavirus strains, so the relevant scientific evidence suggests it would have the same effects here. Another thing to keep in mind is that this is an incredibly strong and potent cleaning and disinfecting method. UV light can damage your skin and eyes. As such, it should only be used on a surface or object that needs cleaning. Do not use UVC light on your skin, and handle with care (preferably by a professional).
Deciding if you need it
For months, we’ve all been practicing safe social distancing. We’ve kept six feet away from others, worn masks in public, washed our hands and sanitized more frequently. We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Now that businesses, offices, and schools are reopening, we must continue to increase the measures that are keeping us and our loved ones safe and healthy. We weren’t all prepared for the outbreak when it began, but we can be prepared for how we address it now. By increasing the level, frequency, and efficacy of our cleaning and disinfecting processes, we can work toward a post-coronavirus world together.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that UV cleaning and disinfecting is a requirement. Ultimately, the choice is yours. There are human-safe UV light fixtures with low enough doses of UV-C lights to help reduce the spread of germs and viruses without damaging the skin, eyes, or causing other health problems. These are common in medical settings and are just starting to make their way into other business and commercial settings. But more research may be needed to confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Corvus Janitorial
With a wide variety of cleaning and disinfecting service options available, Corvus Janitorial can help you keep your office clean and safe. We offer high-impact disinfecting services for workplaces, including increased frequencies and convenient timing. In addition to UV light disinfecting, our high-level disinfecting services include electrostatic spraying and ultra-low volume fogging. Major airlines are using these techniques to disinfect passenger planes. We also offer re-focused cleaning and chemical applications, exposure cleaning and disinfecting, and can help you with mindful office organization. No job is too big or small at your local Corvus Janitorial office. Call us today to get started with a free consultation.
