Recently, the Global Lighting Association (GLA) and the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on supporting ultraviolet disinfection technology (also known as ultraviolet germicidal radiation or "UVGI"). The two parties aim to strengthen the exploration of cooperation in the field of ultraviolet disinfection technology to help WHO formulate relevant policy recommendations on indoor non-pharmaceutical virus prevention and control measures.
This MoU provides a mechanism for GLA and IUVA to collaborate in a number of key areas, including:
1. Joint submission of documents and other methods to organizations responsible for developing UV disinfection standards and protocols;
2. Conduct joint activities to actively disseminate reliable information on the application and benefits of UV disinfection in the prevention and control of airborne pathogens; 3. Share expertise on the safety, performance and effectiveness of UV disinfection technologies; 4. Consultation on health and well-being of indoor personnel. Ultraviolet germicidal radiation or UVGI air disinfection technology is a proven method. The technology can be used to reduce the risk of infection caused by several infectious airborne diseases such as measles, influenza and tuberculosis. Currently, this technology is also increasingly recognized as a key tool for reducing indoor air pollution caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Ultraviolet sterilization technology has three advantages:
1. Ultraviolet sterilization technology is a mature technology
WHO has approved relevant units to use ultraviolet sterilization technology to prevent tuberculosis infection and influenza risks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of ultraviolet sterilization systems as a supplementary measure for air purification to prevent and control indoor air pollution from bacteria and viruses in public places, hospitals, and classrooms. In addition, UV sterilization technology has been used in the world for decades, and people use this technology to reliably disinfect surfaces and drinking water.
2. Ultraviolet sterilization technology is an effective technology
IVA recently published a white paper on the germicidal efficacy of UV germicidal technology against more than 2,000 pathogens, which describes the technology's germicidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. The GLA recently published and also published a related document on the quantification of airborne pathogen inactivation by ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI), explaining how to calculate the effectiveness of germicidal UV technology.
3. Existing standards and industry guidelines allow the safe use of UV sterilization
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published a publicly available specification entitled Position Statement on Germicidal UV-C Exposure, UV-C Safety Guidelines (IEC PAS 63313, May 2021). The safe use of germicidal UV light is further documented in Environmental Control of Tuberculosis: Guidelines for Basic Indoor Upper Space UV Germicidal Exposure in Healthcare Facilities, published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.