FEATURED ARTICLE:
Valencia's UV Light Focus
The Henry mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located in Valencia, installed UV lights for their air conditioning unit several years ago. Air conditioning systems are an essential part of a smooth operating hospital setting. Keeping patients safe is the primary goal of care givers and a properly running air conditioner is key. In the 1990's, the use of UV lights for air conditioning coils was discovered to help maintain air conditioning systems, by eliminating mold growth.

Hospitals across the country continue to use the UV light air conditioning technique with positive results. Artificially generated UV light sends waves in the C band (UVC) and reduces infectious microbes in air conditioners, while eradicating mold.

Air conditioners must be routinely maintained to ensure proper function, but in the hospital setting, this procedure can be daunting. There is rarely any operating downtime for hospital air conditioners, so maintenance and repairs are complicated tasks. Hospitals aim to control the amount of humidity in the environment, which leads to consistent comfortable levels of indoor conditions. Mold can interrupt this process. Mold preventing devices were sought after, by Henry Mayo Hospitals.

The UV light plan fit accordingly. Mold spores can grow in both dry or humid climates, due to the indoor humidity projected from air conditioning units. Mold tends to accumulate near the coils and drain pans.

Valencia has taken the ball into their court, with the implementation of UV lights. The actual installation of the lights did not go according to plan, however, due to the configuration of the air ducts. Cuts had to be made in the unit's exterior to provide the necessary coil to UV light ratio.

Henry Mayo executives cited that no problems had been discovered with the air conditioning unit, but as a preventative measure and for the continued well-being of patients and staff, the Valencia-run hospital opted to install the highly-touted UV lights.