As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, building sanitization has emerged as a crucial aspect of facilities management. With offices and commercial buildings gradually reopening after prolonged lockdowns, the safety of building occupants has taken center stage. The need to minimize the spread of the virus has prompted building managers to adopt new techniques that were once reserved for medical environments. To keep businesses operational and protect public health, implementing effective sanitization strategies is more important than ever.
In this article, we’ll explore four key strategies for ensuring proper sanitization of buildings during the pandemic: antimicrobial surfaces, HEPA filters, germicidal ultraviolet technology, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Together, these methods form a comprehensive approach to safeguarding indoor spaces.
1. The Role of Antimicrobial Surfaces
Surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, grab bars, and countertops, can serve as reservoirs for bacteria and viruses. Research has shown that the coronavirus can survive on metal finishes for several hours or even days, depending on the material. To address this, building managers are turning to antimicrobial surfaces, which can significantly reduce the lifespan of the virus on contact.
Metals like copper and silver are known for their antimicrobial properties. While these materials were not commonly used in non-medical facilities due to their higher cost, the pandemic has driven a surge in demand. Copper and its alloys, such as bronze and brass, can be incorporated into building designs to enhance surface safety.
In addition to using antimicrobial metals, building managers can also apply antimicrobial coatings to surfaces like glass, plastics, ceramics, and stainless steel. These coatings provide long-lasting protection, keeping surfaces free from viruses, including COVID-19, for up to 90 days with a single application. For added safety, automation of door operations and other common touchpoints can further reduce contact, though it comes with increased project costs.
2. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
Airborne transmission of the coronavirus has been a major concern, particularly in enclosed spaces. One effective method for mitigating the spread of airborne particles is the use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters consist of pleated glass fibers that can trap at least 99.95% of particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger, including respiratory droplets that may carry the virus.
While HEPA filters are only partially effective against smaller viruses, they are highly efficient at capturing larger droplets, which limits the spread of infectious particles through the air. However, the air streams created by standard HVAC systems in many commercial buildings can exacerbate the problem by spreading these particles further. To counteract this, HEPA filters should be positioned to filter the air before it circulates through the HVAC system.
By incorporating HEPA filters into a building’s ventilation system, facility managers can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of virus transmission, making these filters an important part of a holistic sanitization strategy.
3. Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) Technology
Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) technology, specifically ultraviolet C (UV-C) light, offers another effective tool for building sanitization. UV-C light, with wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers, can deactivate the DNA of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from multiplying and causing infections. This makes it an ideal solution for disinfecting surfaces and air in commercial spaces.
There are two primary applications of UV-C technology: high-output UV disinfection robots and upper-room germicidal UV fixtures. UV-C disinfection robots use continuous waves of UV light to sterilize rooms, targeting pathogens on surfaces. However, since UV-C light is harmful to humans, these robots should only be used in unoccupied spaces.
Upper-room germicidal UV fixtures, on the other hand, are designed to disinfect the air in occupied spaces. By positioning these fixtures in the upper portion of a room, they irradiate airborne contaminants, lifting potentially harmful agents out of reach of occupants and exposing them to germicidal UV light. This method has been used in healthcare settings for years and can be adapted for use in offices and commercial buildings to improve air quality.
Although UV-C technology is highly effective, its effectiveness is limited by line-of-sight exposure, meaning that only areas directly exposed to the light will be disinfected.
4. Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP)
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) offers an efficient and low-risk method for sterilizing large indoor areas. VHP is delivered as a gas and is capable of eradicating viruses, including the coronavirus, from surfaces. This method is particularly useful for disinfecting areas that are difficult to reach through manual cleaning methods.
VHP sterilization works by breaking hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) down into water and oxygen, ensuring that it is safe for indoor use with minimal toxicity. Mist foggers or robots can deliver the vapor, allowing it to penetrate every nook and cranny of a room. With an 80-90% effectiveness rate, VHP is registered as a sterilant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is regarded as a safe and efficient alternative to traditional fumigation methods.
Conclusion
Building sanitization is no longer a simple task of routine cleaning. In the post-COVID world, it requires the integration of advanced technologies and materials to ensure the health and safety of occupants. By combining antimicrobial surfaces, HEPA filters, UV-C light, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide, building managers can create a comprehensive strategy that reduces the risk of virus transmission.
As we move forward, building management will need to remain vigilant, adopting best practices and continuously updating sanitization protocols. With ongoing investments in new technologies and proper training for cleaning staff, facilities can create safer environments for everyone who enters their doors.