UV-C technology has been used as a disinfection method for decades in the healthcare industry. The UV-C wavelength of 253.7 nanometers has been proven to be effective at eliminating or neutralizing dangerous pathogens like C. difficile, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and more. The current technologies focus on cleaning surfaces to reduce healthcare associated infections. Three studies were conducted at an acute care hospital, a children’s hospital and a long term acute care facility to determine if reducing the number of colony forming units of bacteria and/or fungus in the air would improve indoor air quality.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major gaseous contaminant group affecting indoor air quality. Various technologies have been applied for the removal of VOCs. There are conventional systems based on adsorption process, i.e., activated carbon and/or potassium permanganate alumina pellets in trays or deep beds, particulate filters incorporating very thin beds of activated carbon or alumina pellets, and carbon cloth. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of air flow rates on the performances of oxidation-based air cleaning technologies including UV with photocatalysts, plasma and ozone generators.