Specialty and Architectural Lighting — Health

For some people, the seasonal onset of fewer hours of daylight means dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Since the early 1970's when some initial research was done, many studies have confirmed that, in some people, there is a bio-chemical connection between exposure to daylight and depression. The Science of SAD The optic nerve carries light into the brain for visual processing. It also takes a turn into the hypothalmus - specifically, into a region...

Interest in indoor air quality in public buildings such as offices, schools and other institutions has increased as the demand for lower energy consuming buildings has resulted in tighter building envelopes that reduce uncontrolled leakage of heated or cooled air. Tight buildings place a premium on the importance of ventilation. When air change rates and air filters are not adequate, the chance of health impacts on occupants increases. Indoor Pollutants Tight buildings can save energy....

Blacklights are not merely for special effects and lighting up cool posters. They also have an important clinical use by veterinarians. These bulbs are very common for diagnosing ringworm in cats, dogs, and other animals. The most common tool veterinarians use to diagnose ringworm on pets is a Wood's Lamp, which is another name for the common blacklight bulb with a blue filter. According to Wikipedia, Wood's lamps have been used since 1925 to detect...

Most of the impact of ultraviolet disinfection is in the UV-C range. UV-B has a much lower lethality rate for microbes than UV-C. However, a phenomenon called "photoreactivation" can impact disinfection. And UV-B can help prevent photoreactivation of pathogens. What Is Photoreactivation? Photoreactivation is the process whereby microorganisms are exposed to light in the visible spectrum after exposure to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and begin to repair themselves. Photoreactivation can lead to a portion of the...

Over the last 6-8 months, the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to combat pathogens, specifically COVID-19, has skyrocketed in popularity. Many homeowners, businesses, schools, and government institutions have purchased UV disinfection devices for air, surface, and water sanitation. But while COVID-19 has been an unintentional pandemic, the risk for bioterrorism using a transmissible pathogen has existed for decades. There are hundreds of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi that cause adverse reactions in humans and animals....

Schools are attempting to figure out how to reopen to the public in the fall. From daycare and kindergartens, to junior and high schools, to colleges and universities, students and parents are going to expect a higher level of cleanliness. Unfortunately, pandemics do not end in a matter of months, and the COVID-19 coronavirus may not going away anytime soon. Schools will implement new practices, procedures, and technology to combat the virus. One of these...

Large naval vessels are compact environments where microbes can thrive, circulating through the ventilation system. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVC) lighting systems can reduce incidence of harmful bacteria and viruses, and mitigate the risk of respiratory and airborne illnesses spreading throughout a navy vessel, cruise ship, yacht, or smaller boat.

One of the concerns about reopening the economy is that, if large gatherings are allowed again, the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus may spread rapidly. This is a legitimate concern as historical outbreaks of serious or deadly diseases have occurred in places of large assembly where one person exposed an entire population. But with the greater awareness of sanitizing air and surfaces, UVC lighting systems can provide some protection and mitigate the risks of allowing public...

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, hospitals and medical professionals have begun using ultraviolet germicidal UVC light more than ever before. Learn about the options the medical industry has for disinfecting air, stopping the spread of germs, and disinfecting patient rooms with ultraviolet light.

One small positive of the coronavirus outbreak and response is the increasing awareness of people of the effects of ultraviolet UVC germicidal light on viruses, bacteria, mold, and fungi. This article examines the harmful microorganisms commonly found in homes, as well as UVC solutions for sanitizing air and surfaces.