SHOW THE SCIENCE Killing germs and the role of UVC light disinfection devices by Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner
M
icrobiological and epidemiological evidence shows that contaminated surfaces can contribute to the transmission of infectious disease-causing germs and allergens. Hospital studies show that staff and new patients have been infected if a prior room occupant had methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE),
Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter baumannii, and other pathogens. Naturally, an effective way to overcome or minimize the spread of disease is to inactivate and reduce the number of germs in the environment. Improved surface cleaning and disinfection are key methods, but studies provide critical information on improving air quality and decreasing risk on surfaces
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that people touch such as in hospitals and care homes as well as hotels, restaurants, airports, convention centres, schools, and public washrooms. Manual processes for cleaning and disinfection are frequently sub-optimal, suggesting that automated disinfection processes might offer an opportunity to improve cleaning efficacy and consistency.
