between patients , j . Built-In – Also known as “ AutoUV ,” devices that use redundant occupancy sensors , door contacts and smart algorithms to automatically disinfect spaces when unoccupied 10 , 20 , 30 times or more per day ; typically used in hospital bathrooms , equipment rooms and utility rooms . k . Robot systems - That autonomously or semi-autonomously disinfect important surfaces in hospitals , pharmaceutical plants , and laboratories . l . Tunnel Systems – High-speed conveyor-based disinfection systems used in food processing facilities , medical device manufacturers , biohazardous waste recyclers , distribution centres , luggage handling , and secure government mail processing centers . m . Personal items - Portable UV-C ‘ box ’ disinfectors have become popular for disinfecting small personal devices including smartphones , keys , masks , etc ., especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic .
UV-C is invisible and can cause sunburn or welder ’ s eye in just a few seconds so it is especially important that systems are designed to protect users against accidental exposure . Only purchase and use UV-C devices from reputable sources that haver registrations and certifications for UV-C from the U . S . EPA 3 and Health Canada . 4
Relative humidity ( RH ) in patient care is particularly important . RH in the range of 40 percent to 60 percent 5 is optimal for the health of patients and is the sweet spot where growth and survivability of microorganisms is lowest . Infection rates double when RH drops from 40 percent to 30 percent , patients can also suffer from dehydration and impaired mucous membranes . More than 60 percent RH leads to mold and bacterial growth and can be uncomfortable for patients .
Ideally , for optimal comfort and infection control , RH should be maintained at 50 percent , plus or minus 5 percent . This may be harder to control in an older facility than a newer one with more sophisticated building automation system controls and a better building envelope . 6
Ozonated water ( OW ) refers to the strong oxidative species often generated by splitting water molecules in the presence of energy and a catalyst in the new ‘ round ’ earth . OW is exceptionally good at disinfection and penetrating and preventing biofilms . sanitizer that can be used in the presence of people . In fact , OW is generated and used in our own cells . OW could be used as part of daily cleaning and disinfection process by Environmental Services staff . There are also hand hygiene sinks that generate up to 5 ppm ROS to safely disinfect hands , bowl and drain with each use , preventing microbial growth and the release of pathogenic bioaerosols . 7
Antimicrobial copper is registered as a biocide in the U . S . by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) in 2009 ( including recently as effective in reducing coronavirus 8 ) and in Canada with Health Canada ’ s PMRA 9 in 2014 . Both organizations recognize that when cleaned regularly , antimicrobial copper alloys surfaces kill greater than 99.9 percent of specific bacteria within two hours and continue to kill more than 99 percent of these bacteria even after repeated contamination . Since that time , numerous companies