Prototyping a Synergistic Multi-Band UV Device to Enhance the Indoor Air Quality of Hospital Environments

Abstract

People spend approximately more than 90% of their time indoors, which exposes them to airborne gaseous and chemical pollutants that can affect their health and well-being. Recent studies have shown that up to 63% of healthcare personnel present at least one health issue associated with poor indoor air quality. Consequently, this study evaluated various existing technologies aimed at improving indoor air quality. Based on the collected information, a synergistic multi-band prototype was developed, harnessing the germicidal efficacy of UV-C light and the photocatalytic effect generated by exposing titanium dioxide to UV-A light. Several tests were conducted under three different experimental scenarios: no intervention, UV-C intervention, and UV-C + photocatalysis intervention. The prototype achieved reductions of 86.19%, 81.68%, and 69.87% in volatile organic compounds, and 100% elimination of aerobic bacteria and yeasts when applied in various hospital environments. The data obtained was subjected to rigorous statistical analysis, demonstrating significant differences (p<0.0001) among each of the experimental scenarios.