Is UV Light Better Than Other Disinfectants?

UV Light Disinfection vs Traditional Solutions

The popularity of UV light disinfection solutions has risen significantly in recent years, due in large part to the need for more effective sterilization techniques during the Covid pandemic. 

But while UV light disinfection continues to grow in mainstream awareness, many may be wondering how UV light disinfection compares to more traditional methods (such as hand washing and chemical cleaners), and whether adding UV light to the sterilization toolkit is worth it.

Traditional methods of disinfection have been in use for over 100 years for good reason. They’re relatively accessible, inexpensive, and straightforward. 

However, the increased concern for public health has also led to a growing awareness of the ways in which traditional disinfection methods may fall short or even cause unintentional harm. UV light disinfection could be the answer to these shortcomings. In the article below, we’ll look at how UV light compares with traditional disinfection techniques in a few key areas, including overall effectiveness, potential health risks, and environmental impact. 

Traditional vs UV Light Disinfection

First, in the interest of providing a clear definition, traditional disinfection methods include any sterilization technique that involves: 

• Washing hands with soap and water

• Disinfecting surfaces with chemical cleaners

• Sterilizing the air with aerosol sprays

There are others, such as heat and low-temperature sterilization technologies, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll be referring to the three most common and widely used methods listed above.

UV light disinfection solutions, on the other hand, involve the use of UV-A, UV-B, and/or UV-C light to target and deactivate viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens, both on surfaces and in the air.

At Violet Defense, we use a broad-spectrum approach that incorporates all three UV wavelengths along with violet-blue light in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. 

With that in mind, here are the key ways in which UV light disinfection stands out from traditional methods.

Human Error vs. Automation of UV Light

One of the most prominent drawbacks to traditional techniques is that they are only effective as long as they are used correctly.

For instance, the CDC outlines the various scenarios in which we should practice hand hygiene, and recommends that we wash our hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20-30 seconds.

However, one USDA study indicated that the vast majority of people only wash their hands correctly 3% of the time.

 The most common offense was washing for less than the recommended 20-30 seconds, but other oversights included washing hands without soap or failing to dry with a clean towel afterward.

All of this means that even though many people practice hand hygiene on a regular basis, it may not be as effective as it should be.

Similarly, chemical cleaners may lose effectiveness if used incorrectly. 

Most chemical cleaners require a minimum contact time (usually 30 seconds at least, but up to 10 minutes where a surface has to stay visibly wet) in order to deactivate viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. 

In contrast, UV light disinfection solutions may fully address both of these concerns when installed and used correctly. 

At Violet Defense, our UV disinfection solutions feature an intelligent control system that allows for mostly automated disinfection. 

Capable of adapting the cleaning cycles to maintain cleanliness for the long term, patented UV disinfection technology from Violet Defense removes human error and provides peace of mind that the disinfection process is working at optimum levels at all times.

Health Risks of Chemical Cleaners vs. UV Light

It should come as no surprise that chemical disinfectants can be accompanied by significant risks to human health as well. After all, in order to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, the chemicals used in cleaners must be somewhat aggressive.

The range of ways that chemical cleaners may negatively impact human health is extensive, and studies are constantly being conducted to better understand the safest ways of using them. However, according to OSHA and the EPA, there are several known health risks associated with regular exposure to chemical cleaners.

On the less severe end of the spectrum, chemical cleaners may cause skin rashes or other minor contact irritations. Aerosols have also been linked with lung and eye irritation and may cause sore throat, burning eyes, breathing difficulties, and can even induce asthma attacks. 

At the extreme end of the spectrum, the mixing of chemical cleaners, particularly those that contain bleach and ammonia, can severely damage the lungs or worse.

When it comes to UV light disinfection solutions, the Flash and Vantage series from Violet Defense are designed with human health and safety as a top priority.

Both options are equipped with integrated motion sensors to ensure that the units only operate when spaces are unoccupied and may be used in a variety of spaces, including:

• Bathrooms

• Ambulances

• Offices

• Clinics

• Athletic facilities

With Violet Defense, you can be sure that every measure has been taken to eliminate or drastically reduce the health hazards of UV exposure, and pair that with the assuredness that your surfaces and the air in your occupied spaces are safely and regularly disinfected.

Environmental Impact of Traditional vs. UV Light Disinfectants

Finally, the environmental impact of chemical cleaners and aerosol sprays has been a concern for years. 

The EPA lists several potential environmental hazards of cleaning products, some of which include:

• The negative impact on indoor air quality and the development of indoor smog from aerosols and evaporating surface cleaners

• The slow biodegradability of chemicals in some cleaning products, which leads to a potentially toxic build-up over time

• The rinsing of chemical cleaners down the drain to mix with fresh water supplies 

In particular, water treatment plants do not adequately remove nitrogen, ammonia, and phosphorous, all of which can cause significant damage to aquatic and animal life via algae blooms. 

While greener, more natural cleaning products are one option, they may not be effective enough to meet the needs of healthcare facilities or other areas at risk for elevated infection spread.

UV light disinfection solutions from Violet Defense are highly effective at reducing and deactivating viruses and bacteria, and won’t leave behind residue or by-products that could harm humans or animals.

These benefits, in combination with the significantly reduced health risks and overall higher effectiveness of UV light due to the elimination of human error, make UV light disinfection technology an essential and powerful tool that can help reduce the drawbacks and negative impacts of more traditional methods.

At Violet Defense, we want to help you find the right disinfection solution for your needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started.