UV-C lighting has been used for more than 40 years as a disinfectant for air, water and surfaces. UV-C breaks down the DNA or RNA of microorganisms including viruses and bacteria, rendering them harmless. It has proved invaluable in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. For example, in laboratory testing, Signify’s wall-mounted UV-C disinfection upper-air luminaires 1 inactivated 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air of a room within 10 minutes. The virus that causes COVID-19 was below detectable levels at 20 minutes. 2
From the start of the pandemic, Signify Foundation moved quickly in support of COVID-19 relief efforts by donating UV-C systems to help disinfect areas in healthcare facilities, such as waiting rooms, receptions, and corridors. Recipients included hospitals in China, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, and India. Read more here.
The link between lighting and access to modern health care has never been more evident. In 2021, the Signify Foundation continues to focus on supporting healthcare infrastructures through access to sustainable energy and lighting. These projects showcase solar power as a viable alternative for communities underserved by the grid – a stellar example of technology leapfrogging from off-grid to clean tech.