Business owners have a tough job right now.

In addition to the typical day-to-day of running a store or restaurant, they have an extra task to add to the list: Protect against COVID-19.

Increased cleaning and sanitization has been part of life for the past year, but there’s always a risk: What if a spot was missed?

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection offers an additional layer of protection against viruses, germs and bacteria, including COVID-19.

Ultraviolet light is the type of radiation that comes from natural sunlight or sources like tanning beds. There are three types of UV light: A, B and C, moving from the least amount of energy to the highest.

UVC light is mostly absorbed by the Earth’s ozone, so humans are not exposed to it on a daily basis. However, scientists have been using UVC radiation for hundreds of years to kill germs and bacteria.

And, as it turns out, early research shows that UVC radiation is also effective in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or COVID-19. Airports, hospitals and other high-capacity buildings across the world have been using UVC disinfection as an extra layer of security against the coronavirus.

Although the FDA has not yet officially acknowledged UVC lighting as effective in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it is only because there is limited published data available so far.

However, recent studies have found that COVID-19 can be effectively and safely deactivated using UVC lighting. Researchers at Henry Ford Health System found that UVC lighting is so effective that it can even safely kill COVID-19 on N95 masks. The research found that the method works so well, that the N95 masks can be reused after being tainted with COVID-19.

Another study at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University Irving Medical Center has found that 99.9% of coronaviruses present in airborne droplets were killed when exposed to even minimal wavelengths of UVC lighting.

According to the FDA, UVC lamps used for disinfection may pose potential health and safety risks depending on UVC wavelength, dose, duration and radiation exposure. Direct exposure to UVC radiation can cause painful eye injury and burn-like skin reactions.

Instead, trust the professionals at Restoration 1 of Michiana. Our team of technicians are highly trained, certified and fully insured to provide UVC sanitation services at an affordable price for businesses and homeowners.

Restoration 1 of Michiana offers UVC disinfection services to restaurants, businesses, daycares and more across northern Indiana and southern Michigan.

To learn more about how you can protect your employees and customers against COVID-19 with UVC radiation, request a free estimate today.