Providing schools an additional layer of protection with Philips UV-C

• City of Munich equips local schools with 7,500 Philips UVCA200 mobile air disinfection units
• Philips UV-C air disinfection equipment ensures continuous disinfection of indoor air¹
• Delivery kicked off at the elementary school at Helmholtzstraße, Munich

Eindhoven, the Netherlands – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, is equipping a significant number of schools in Munich with 7,500 Philips UV-C air disinfection devices, providing schoolchildren, teachers and other staff with an additional layer of protection against viruses and germs. The closed air units provide continuous disinfection of the indoor air, while their unobtrusive design and silent disinfection make them ideal to use while classes are in session.

The importance of air changes per hour in the combat against COVID-19

There is a growing consensus that airborne transmission is a primary infection route of SARS-CoV-2, especially for enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation or air handling^2,3. To combat infections with conventional air ventilation one would require six or more air changes per hour (ACH) to provide fresh air, control humidity and reduce levels of odor and CO₂. But each air change will only reduce the level of pathogens by 63%. Besides, conventional air ventilation with outdoor air will result in personal discomfort and increase energy usage, especially in areas with cold and hot ambient temperatures.

A very effective way to achieve the needed air cleaning is by introducing UV-C air disinfection luminaires in combination with a basic level of ventilation and indoor climate solutions, such as Philips UV-C luminaires. This way the discomfort of draft, cold or heat can be avoided, while still effectively combatting pathogens in the air.

Flexible companion for greater classroom protection

Referring to the ongoing pandemic, the Bavarian capital has decided to purchase approximately 7,500 Philips UVCA200 mobile air disinfection units to improve air quality in schools, and to ensure school children, teachers and staff can go to school with peace of mind. The delivery of the devices kicked off at the elementary school in Helmholzstraße in Munich. In total, more than 50 mobile Philips UV-C devices will be integrated in over twelve of the school’s classrooms. Thanks to their small wheels and simple connection to conventional power sockets, the devices can be placed anywhere and used flexibly. The addition of the mobile UV-C devices will complement the school’s disinfection strategy.

“Especially during the flu season, continuous ventilation and disinfection in the classrooms is important. As a modern school, it was clear to us that we also had to investigate on technological options here for the protection of our students and teachers,” school director Manuela Kirschenmann said enthusiastically. “With the mobile units, a practical and effective solution has been found to help keep the air free of germs and viruses without restricting teaching.”

The new Philips UVCA200 mobile air disinfection devices continuously draw air in the room into the device, where it’s disinfected by the UV-C light before the device blows the air back into the room. As the device produces a low noise level when in operation, it silently and effectively provides disinfection without disrupting classes. The device has an intuitive touch display, making control over the device simple. It’s also equipped with a children lock, preventing children inadvertently operating the device.

Proven and effective technology

UV-C refers to the short-wave form of ultraviolet light that is artificially generated and used to inactivate viruses, bacteria and germs. Signify, with its Philips products, has been pioneering professional UV-C technology for disinfecting air, surfaces and objects for more than 35 years.

“We are proud to support the city of Munich in maintaining school operations with our mobile Philips UV-C air disinfection devices,” said Rada Rodriguez, CEO Signify DACH.

Signify UV-C solutions are deployed, installed and used in accordance with product-specific safety instructions and manufactured in controlled industry processes. UV-C lamp replacement should always be performed by professionals in accordance with safety requirements and instructions to avoid exposing people and animals to UV-C radiation.

Signify has recently added new closed air units for indoor air disinfection to its UV-C portfolio. More information about Signify's Philips UV-C disinfection solutions is available here.