HFA Explores the Merits of Using Ultraviolet Radiation to Limit COVID-19 Exposure
Scott West, P.E., explores whether Ultraviolet Radiation can help mitigate the risk of exposure to airborne illnesses, like COVID-19, in commercial buildings around the world.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In the second installment of the HFA Design Thinking blog series, Scott West, P.E., sets out to explore how the use of Ultraviolet Radiation can help mitigate the risk of exposure to airborne illnesses, like COVID-19, in the HVAC units in commercial buildings around the world.
"Ultraviolet radiation has been identified as an existing technology that has a high likelihood of inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus. UV-C radiation works by damaging the DNA and RNA of microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, and fungi) and rendering them unable to replicate." said West.
West continues, "While scientific testing results of ultraviolet radiation treatment on SARS-CoV-2 does not exist at this time, experts believe the effectiveness is likely high, based on UV-C efficacy on related airborne viruses such as SARS and MERS."
With the gradual reopening of offices and commercial buildings around the world, architects and engineers must find ways to make employees feel safe when reentering crowded buildings, like offices, medical practices, and restaurants. While more work still needs to be done, we expect that emerging Ultraviolet Radiation technology will become standard in commercial buildings as the world heads into the post-COVID-19 era.
"We expect to see more commercial buildings making use of UVGI technology in both new and existing HVAC systems. While complete threat removal of airborne contagion is not possible in spaces containing infected occupants, exposure risk can be mitigated to the greatest extent possible using proven technologies," said West.
Here at HFA, with 30 years of experience from the retail, restaurant, commercial, and real estate industries, we know that we're uniquely positioned to use our knowledge and expertise to help further the architecture industry as a whole in this post-pandemic era.
To read more from HFA's Design Thinking series check out the HFA blog: https://blog.hfa-ae.com/
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About HFA
Founded in 1990, HFA is a full-service Architecture and Engineering firm with locations in Bentonville, AR; Franklin, MA; Fort Worth, TX; and Mexico City, MX. Focused on designing for the customer experience, HFA works coast to coast with retail, real estate development, office, industrial, fueling, restaurant/food service, lifestyle, and education clients.
Contact: Daryl Whitmer, Director of Marketing and Business Development, (479) 273−7780 ext. 274 or daryl.whitmer@hfa−ae.com.
SOURCE HFA
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