Newswise — TROY, N.Y. — The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is seeking a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of using ultraviolet lighting to battle the virus that causes COVID-19 through a new survey aimed at decision makers who use, or are considering implementing, ultraviolet technologies in the disinfection of public spaces.
UV and other lighting technologies are being developed for use on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19, health care acquired infections, and other biological pathogens. However, in the rush to disinfect public spaces, products and technologies are being presented that may not live up to their product claims. End users who need to ensure that buildings and rooms are disinfected and virus-free face confusing choices and conflicting information about which technologies best fit their needs.
To obtain data on real-world use of UV disinfection products, the LRC is conducting a short, five-question survey.
Results from the survey will be used by the LRC to develop a new publication in their series, National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP), which will provide guidance and answer fundamental questions concerning the safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of UV disinfection technology.
“Some UV technologies are mature and are well-proven at disinfection in niche applications,” said Jennifer Brons, the director of design demonstrations at the LRC. “New technologies are being developed that have the potential for more widespread application. But at a time of critical need in the response to COVID-19 and other health-acquired infections, there seems to be much misinformation. To inform our upcoming guide, we would like to reach those who have had experience installing UV systems into hospitals or building managers who have used this technology for disinfection in fire stations, schools, senior living facilities, trains, buses, or other high-use facilities.”
The researchers will close the questionnaire at the end of June.
Established in 1988, the LRC has consistently provided balanced, third-party evaluations that advance the effective use of light with publications like Lighting the Way: A Key to Independence and Controlling Tuberculosis Transmission with Ultraviolet Irradiation and through outreach via the NLPIP.
The project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the McClung Foundation, and the Lighting Energy Alliance.
About the Lighting Research Center
The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the world's leading center for lighting research and education. Established in 1988 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the LRC conducts research in light and human health, transportation lighting and safety, solid-state lighting, energy efficiency, and plant health. LRC lighting scientists with multidisciplinary expertise in research, technology, design, and human factors, collaborate with a global network of leading manufacturers and government agencies, developing innovative lighting solutions for projects that range from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to U.S. Navy submarines to hospital neonatal intensive-care units. In 1990, the LRC became the first university research center to offer graduate degrees in lighting and today, offers a M.S. in lighting and a Ph.D. to educate future leaders in lighting. Learn more at www.lrc.rpi.edu.
About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, 32 research centers, more than 145 academic programs, and a dynamic community made up of more than 7,900 students and over 100,000 living alumni. Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.
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