Researchers in Leipzig: UV-C radiation should defeat germs in classrooms!

Researchers in Leipzig: UV-C radiation should defeat germs in classrooms!

Leipzig, Deutschland - in Leipzig runs a future-oriented research project that illuminates the disinfection of public spaces by UV-C radiation. Scientists from the University of Technology, Economic Affairs and Culture Leipzig (HTWK), the University of Leipzig as well as the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and the Leibniz Institute for Troposphere Research are working together to minimize the spread of viruses and bacteria in classrooms and other public institutions. This innovative study is supported by the Federal Ministry of Research with more than 2.5 million euros and takes place in a nationwide unique laboratory that has a volume of almost 200 cubic meters. Here, 30 air -filled dolls are used in a replica classroom to simulate realistic conditions.

The most important aspect of this research is the development of effective decimacy systems based on UV-C radiation. UV-C radiation has wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers and is known for killing bacteria and viruses. The BFS explains that this radiation comes from artificial sources and filtered out of the earth's atmosphere so that it does not appear in nature.

risks and security aspects

Despite its disinfectant properties, UV-C radiation also harbors health risks. Eyes and skin in particular can be damaged, which can lead to acute reactions such as photokeritis or even long-term consequences such as DNA damage. The International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) has classified all wavelengths of UV radiation as potentially carcinogenic. Therefore, the use of UV-C disinfection devices that typically work with 254 nanometers should only be enjoyed with extreme caution in the presence of people.

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection warns against using open UV-C systems in the presence of people and recommends using closed units where there is no exposure to users. Nevertheless, newer systems that work with FAR-UV-C (approx. 222 Nm) also come onto the market that are advertised as less risky. However, the health risks of these new technologies have not yet been extensively examined.

Applications of UV-C disinfection

The versatile areas of application of UV-C technology not only include the disinlawing of surfaces and room air, but also the water treatment and to a limited extent to use in food. However, it remains crucial that UV-C disinfection is not meant for living things. The users are asked to pay attention to the manufacturers that include important information about wavelengths, radiation strength and the required dose for effective disinfection. This is the only way to guarantee responsibility from manufacturers and users for security in public spaces.