A pilot study on the disinfection efficacy of localized UV on the flushing generated spread of pathogens

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

卷:358

Article

Lai, A. C. K.¹  Nunayon, S. S.¹  Tan, T. F.²  Li, W. S.^3,4 

[1] City Univ Hong Kong, Dept Architecture & Civil Engn, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

[2] City Univ Hong Kong, Shenzhen Key Lab Sustainable Use Marine Biodivers, Res Ctr Oceans & Human Hlth, Shenzhen Res Inst, Shenzhen, Peoples R China

[3] Queen Mary Hosp, Pokfulam Rd, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

[4] Univ Hong Kong, Sch Publ Hlth, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

关键词: Airborne contaminants;    Flushing-generated water droplets;    Toilet air quality;    Upper-room germicidal irradiation;    Pathogen disinfection;    Localized UV-C disinfection;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.07.003

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The process of toilet-flushing can generate flushing-associated water droplets which can potentially expose humans to pathogen-laden aerosols. Very little is known about such aerosol dissemination or the means for minimizing exposure to these aerosols. This study has evaluated the efficacy of ultraviolet waveband C (UV-C) for disinfection of flushing-generated pathogen-laden aerosols through tests with localized disinfection systems for airborne and surface contaminations. Three types of bacteria were chosen for investigation: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium. Tests were conducted with UV-C tubes of 5 W and 10 W. High levels of disinfection efficacies were observed, ranging from 76% to 97% for bacteria-laden aerosols at sources of emission, and efficiencies of 53% to 79% for surface samples in localized systems. The results from the localized systems were further compared with those obtained with an upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system. As it is important to note, the UV-C doses and ozone emissions for the localized systems were found well below the limits recommended in current guidelines. This research has shown that the disinfection of flushing-generated pathogen-laden aerosols in proximity to the source of emission was more effective than at the more distant sites where aerosols may be dispersed to the environment.

【 授权许可】

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