CSIR-CSIO develops UV disinfection technology to combat SARS-CoV-2

Chandigarh: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO) has developed an UV-C air duct disinfection system.

The system helps in deactivating over 99 per cent of viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bio-aerosols etc with appropriate dosages using 254nm UV light. It is an energy efficient system which improves airflow through coils, enhances indoor air quality and requires less maintenance, a PIB release said here on Tuesday.

The technology has been developed according to the requirements for deactivation of SARS COV-2 virus contained in an aerosol with necessary ventilation measures, necessary safety and user guidelines and tested bio-safety standards etc. This will provide a relatively safer environment for indoor activities in the current pandemic.

The CSIR-CSIO developed product is tested for more than 99 per cent disinfection and could be used as a retrofit solution to air handling units (AHUs) of buildings, transport vehicles and other spin off applications. The system comes with commercialized standards and certifications.

The CSIR-CSIO has already transferred the technology to twenty eight companies. CSIR-CSIO Director S Anantha Ramakrishna said that this is available now for deployment with wide availability throughout the country via these companies.

Recent research carried out by CSIR constituent labs had demonstrated experimentally that SARS-CoV-2 viral particles could be detected in air even after 2 hours of exit of infected persons from a room and at distances much greater than a few meters as well strengthening evidence of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. (UNI)