Ultraviolet light is at least as old as the sun, but as recently as 2020 humans continue to find new ways to harness its power.
One particular band of UV radiation, UVC, is a known disinfectant that has been used for decades to sterilize air, water and nonporous surfaces.
UVC light systems are now appearing in doctors' offices, dental treatment rooms and restaurants as part of the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
As use of this technology in public spaces becomes more widespread, here are some things you should know about it.
Its use is expanding into new areas
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last March, Ontario-based Spenegy Certified Inc. has produced a UVC light system for public spaces that the company claims kills 99.9 per cent of the pathogens without exposing humans to radiation.
The company's director of operations, Mitch Wood, said the system is ideal for use in health care settings, nursing homes, schools, restaurants and other public spaces where viruses and bacteria lingering in the air could infect people. Wood said the system was developed to help businesses and institutions meet increasingly stringent public health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have noticed in the last 60 to 90 days as protocols are being set across Canada, we are finding businesses are now working to find alternative solutions to keep their employees and customers safe," Wood said. "We're trying to provide an additional line of defence."
