| 405 nm Blue Light Technology |
There is a lot of information out there about the best way to fight harmful, airborne and surface bacteria- especially when it comes to commonly used surfaces such as pantries, reception areas, restrooms, and exam rooms. While disinfectant sprays and wipes can be highly effective if used properly, they can sometimes lead to unsafe situations such as the exposure to harsh chemicals like ammonia, failure to disinfect overlooked areas, and even the loss of the product’s efficacy due to antibiotic resistance. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important for users to be able to regularly use a safe decontamination method.
Enter: UV 405 nm Blue Light – a novel, non-invasive, non-antibiotic, disinfection method that can reduce or eliminate the total number of airborne bacteria.
In a 2018 study* (see below) researchers found that exposing airborne Staphylococcus epidermidis (Staph) to 405 nm blue light for 30 minutes resulted in a 99.1% reduction in the overall presence of the bacteria. Similar effects can be seen in other microorganisms at the same exposure level, while remaining safe for human cells. This discovery has created a new niche for light technology and sanitation, which has become especially useful for shared spaces, such as the corporate workplace.
This light technology can also be found in everyday at-home products, including water bottles! For example, the LARQ** water bottle uses similar blue light technology to purify drinking water and neutralize up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses. This goes to show how blue light technology can function from within the palm of your hand, to corporate offices, all the way to disinfecting entire hospital floors.
Lighting manufacturers are developing light fixtures that can emit the 405 nm blue light in conjunction with normal light, to deliver novel lighting solutions for corporate clients. EDD designers are working to learn from these lighting specialists to better understand this new product and its properties to design useful applications for clients. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any one of our designers for more information.
*2018 Study found here: http://www.pinnacle-ltg.com/files/downloads/Pinnacle%202013%20Website/Resources/Dougall_et_al_SPIE_2018.pdf
**LARQ Bottle https://www.livelarq.com/technology