Frequently Asked Questions

We’re exposed to parts of the Ultraviolet (UV) spectrum while outdoors.

UV-A - is more predominant outdoors than the UV-B and UV-C. It helps to tan our skin and is used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders. It is generally a harmless wavelength.

UV-C - includes the germicidal wavelength of 253.7nm and is used for air and water disinfection.

Brief exposure poses no problem and UVA light is safe for people. Prolonged, direct exposure to UVC light can cause temporary skin redness and eye irritation, but does not cause skin cancer or cataracts. American Ultraviolet systems are designed with safety in mind and, when properly installed by a professional contractor, do not allow exposure to ultraviolet irradiation and allow for safe operation and maintenance. If you are exposed to direct germicidal light, it can burn the top surface of your skin. If your eyes are exposed, it would be similar to a "welder's flash", and your eyes can feel dry or gritty. At no time do germicidal lamps cause any permanent damage.

The standard J.Protect lights are effective in spaces with up to 30 foot ceilings. Above 30 feet, the High-Bay model should be employed.

Germicidal UVC lamps from American Ultraviolet are good for approximately 17,000 hours (two years) of continuous use, with only 20% decrease in output over the two years.

It is believed that COVID-19 is an enveloped virus with a single positive-stranded RNA genome. Coronaviruses have an envelope composed of a lipid bilayer, proteins, and sugars with a protein capsid. At this point American Ultraviolet does not believe that any testing of this particular strain has been performed. However, several coronaviruses similar in construction have been found to be susceptible to UVC energy

UV technically doesn't "kill" bacteria, but rather it inhibits replication, or sterilizes it, by destroying the DNA. A more detailed explanation is that the UVC energy is absorbed by the DNA and RNA contained in the cells, and this creates dimers or a "double bond" between adjacent nucleotides (i.e. thymine). The formation of these dimers is what inhibits the ability of the chain to replicate, which in turn leads to the death of the colony.

With proper PPE, yes. UVC is completely safe when the eyes and skin are protected. Without any PPE, prolonged, direct exposure to UVC light can cause temporary skin redness and eye irritation, but does not cause skin cancer or cataracts. We recommend that UVC light be used to disinfect only when the space does not have people in it.

J.Protect lights are built with motion sensors to instantly turn off UVC disinfection when anyone enters the space.

UVA light is safe for people to work under and move through continually.

Long-term exposure of germicidal UVC light to plastics will shorten the shelf life of the plastic by approximately 10%. Example: If the plastic would normally last about ten years, and it's exposed to germicidal UVC light the entire time, it would probably need to be replaced in 9 years. Plant life may be damaged by direct, or reflected, germicidal ultraviolet rays. Transient dyes and colors may be faded from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.

UVC should not be used for disinfecting the human body. UVA is safe for people to move and work within and while active in the proper mix with J.Protect lights, is constantly cleaning surfaces, air and clothing and rendering any virus, bacteria or germs non-infectious.

We recommend using UVC disinfecting only when there are no people present in the space. Motion sensors are built into J.Protect products to shut the process off when the motion sensor is triggered by someone inadvertently entering the space.

No not all are airborne. Some are transmitted via blood or saliva. For example, the HIV virus cannot be transmitted if an infected person sneezes on you.

Viruses can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Some viruses can spread through touch, saliva, or even the air. Other viruses can be transmitted through sexual contact or by sharing contaminated needles. Insects including ticks and mosquitoes can act as "vectors," transmitting a virus from one host to another.

Contaminated food and water are other potential sources of viral infection.

Once a person is infected with a virus, their body becomes a reservoir of virus particles which can be released in bodily fluids – such as by coughing and sneezing – or by shedding skin or in some cases even touching surfaces. The virus particles may then either end up on a new potential host or an inanimate object. These contaminated objects are known as fomites, and can play an important role in the spread of disease.

Ozone is created by UVC lights that utilize the 185nm wavelength. The Juganu products utilize the 275nm wavelength for the UVC and the 390nm-400nm wavelength, therefore, no ozone is generated. Also, since the technology being utilized is LED, it is not possible to generate any wavelength other than the above wavelengths. Finally, the above is the reason why Juganu’s products are not required to ventilate an area that has been disinfected with UV-C and especially with UV-A.