The Parliament will soon be equipped with Utraviolet-C (UV-C) technology based products to control the airborne transmission of Covid virus. Union Minister of State for science and technology, Jitendra Singh discussed with experts to install UV-C in the Parliament House on Tuesday.
The Minister informed that, to begin with, the technology will first be installed in the Central Hall, Lok Sabha Chamber and Committee Rooms 62 and 63. However, he added, to strictly adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour.
“The modalities of installing the latest UV-C disinfection technology were discussed…The technology has been developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), affiliated to the Union ministry of science & technology,” read a statement from the ministry.
Since the 1940s, UV-C rays of wavelength (100-280nm) have been recognised as the most powerful germicidal radiation that can damage the DNA /RNA of pathogens like virus, bacteria and fungus. According to CDC fact sheets, UV-C can be very effective at reducing levels of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and air.
The CSIR-CSIO has developed a UV-C air duct disinfection system that can be deployed in public spaces, auditoriums, conference rooms, that can provide a relatively safe environment for indoor activities. The technology is said to have been developed according to the requirements for deactivation of the virus with user guidelines and tested bio-safety standards. “UV-C deactivates viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bioaerosols etc. with appropriate dosages using 254nm UV light. The use of UV-C may also help in ameliorating the fungal infections being witnessed during the current wave of the pandemic,” the statement said.
EFY spoke to experts and found out that while UV-based solutions, technically referred to as Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) solutions can eradicate Corona, you have to be careful in selecting the right solution for your needs. If you select the wrong one, and let down your guard, rather than eliminating the menace of Corona, you could end up increasing the threat. Can UV devices be the solution we seek? Can they enable us to ensure safety from Corona, in our offices, restaurants, hotels and even hospitals? Read the complete article here.
