As minds around the world are seeking solutions to issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic, a local company is applying ultraviolet technology to make the air we breathe safer.
Roctan 2000 Ltd., based in Lambton Shores, has been working alongside NexNord Technologies of Brantford to supply and install ultraviolet lights in air duct ventilation systems capable of eradicating the COVID-19 virus, amongst other dangerous pathogens and bacteria.
According to the NexNord website, UVC is a type of ultraviolet light with a short wavelength capable of making viruses, bacteria and microorganisms incapable of replicating. Though UVC isn’t visible light, direct exposure to human skin or eyes can be harmful, which is why it’s installed in air ducts.
“The technology and UVC has been around for over 100 years in a lamp form,” said Roctan 2000 president and NexNord sales technology manager Dave Bowen. “It was used in water treatment. It was effective at killing bacteria.”
Bowen said Roctan 2000 and NexNord had originally planned on using the technology in the horticultural market since their testing proved it would “enhance the growth and quality” of food plants and cannabis, as well as kill mould and spider mites.
“That was before the coronavirus,” said Bowen. “When the virus hit, a long time ago now it seems, we were asked by the government ‘what can you do to help with personal protective equipment?’ We couldn’t do that, but we felt that UVC would be effective against the virus.”
Speaking about the applications of the technology, Bowen said their target has been schools and long-term care facilities, but that’s since exploded to include various national and international projects for the Ontario-based companies.
