16-12-20

Q&A – How safe and effective are atomisers and UV in combatting the coronavirus?

Are atomisers and UV lamps a safe and effective option for helping your organisation combat the coronavirus? And what is the point of a CO2 measurement in this context?


In brief: there is insufficient scientific evidence to show that atomisers and UV light are safe and effective in combatting the coronavirus. So, it is better to take other measures in the workplace: ventilate as much as possible and regularly disinfect hands with soap or alcohol gel.


How safe and effective are atomisers?

Atomisers spray a liquid – in this case, a disinfectant – in the air in the form of small droplets. These land on all surfaces in the room, make these moist, and combat damaging organisms, such as virus particles.

Scientific studies do not yet provide a definitive answer about the safety and effectiveness of atomisers. What is a certainty is that careful maintenance and cleaning is a necessity. So, simply installing and using an atomiser is not a good idea.


Only use approved products

New hand gels and disinfectants must be approved by the FPS (Federal Public Service) for Public Health before these go on the market. You can find a list of approved products here.

 


How safe and effective is UV light?

UV light (more specifically UVC) has been used for years to kill damaging organisms. For example, it is used in laboratories and hospitals as well as in industrial sectors. Some water companies use UV light to disinfect drinking water.

This does not mean that you can use UV lamps on terraces and other busy places to combat the coronavirus. The FOD for Public Health discourages the use of UV lamps. Scientific research shows that these do not have a positive effect. On the contrary, there are considerable health risks with these lamps, such as an increased chance of eye damage and cancer.

So, UV light must only be used in environments with strict safety procedures, such as in hospitals.

What is the point of a CO2 measurement?

The higher the CO2 content in a room, the greater the chance that virus particles are suspended in the air. CO2 measurements are not required as a norm, not even during the coronavirus pandemic. But, if you do want to measure the concentration of CO2, you can always install a CO2 meter. Take into account these important parameters.

The Flemish Agency for Care and Health recommends that the maximum value does not exceed 900 ppm (i.e. 900 CO2 particles per million). CO2 meters often have two alarm thresholds. If this is the case with your meter, we recommend you set the meter to the following values:

  • From green to orange for a concentration higher than 900 ppm.
  • From orange to red for a concentration higher than 1,500 ppm.

What measures are safe and effective?

If you want to be certain, it is best to follow the following measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus:

Still have questions about methods of combatting the coronavirus?

If you’d like to know more, feel free to contact us via health@mensura.be.

Mensura will help you develop a targeted approach

+32 2 549 71 00Email us