UV-C Light
The Healthy Fan kills 99% of germs present in the air it filters by tapping into the power of UV-C light - a technology used for over 50 years in hospitals and research settings. UV-C has been used for everything from killing influenza viruses to attacking strains of tuberculosis. Healthy Fan takes technology trusted by hospitals and safely puts it to use in your home. Here’s a little more about the science behind Healthy Fan technology.
What is UV-C?
UV-C represents one type of ultraviolet light – ultraviolet light ‘C’. There are three types of ultraviolet light – A, B and C – which are distinguished by their specific wavelengths and the corresponding energy they produce. Ultraviolet light has wavelengths just shorter than those of visible light.
How does UV-C light kill germs?
The remarkably precise source of energy (253.7 nanometers) that UV-C emits has the ability to sterilize the air by destroying bacteria, viruses and spores. The energy emitted by UV-C also alters the germ’s DNA so it cannot reproduce. UV-C has been proven effective against salmonella, influenza, e-coli, staph, strep and tuberculosis. For over 50 years, laboratories and hospitals have tapped into the germ-killing power of UV-C.
What are some of the clinical uses of UV-C?
The use of UV-C to combat tuberculosis – a disease known for its rampant airborne transmission and drug-resistant strain mutations – has been studied since the 50s. A recent study published in PLoS Medicine in March 2009 found that UV lights were able to prevent 70 percent of tuberculosis infections among a group of test guinea pigs. In addition, the study highlighted the added benefits associated with using UV-C technology in conjunction with proper room air circulation. Further scientific research has demonstrated that when room air is continually mixed by a ceiling fan, the effect of UV-C air sterilization is dramatically improved. The germ-killing ability of UV-C energy is powerful, but its use in combination with a ceiling fan is the unique element that is crucial to the effectiveness of Healthy Fan.
Is the UV-C light in Healthy Fan safe?
Healthy Fan is a safe way to utilize the germ-killing power of UV-C. The UV-C energy is absorbed and controlled to extend to a circumference defined by the diameter of the ceiling fan and within only 3 inches of the ceiling plane. A user is never directly able to view, or be in contact with, the UV-C emitter bulb, which is always shielded by the medallion cover. If a user should remove the medallion cover, a microswitch will inactivate the circuit and the bulbs will not be lit.
How long do UV-C light bulbs last?
On average, the bulbs will last 8,000 hours. In comparison, an ordinary 100 watt household bulb will last 750 hours. Even with heavy and continuous use, one can expect about 2 years of life from the UV-C emitter.
