I addressed this within the day or so and before the characteristics of the virus was known. There are certain BASIC elements of living that MUST be protected be it a bacteria, virus, mold or fungus.
ULTRAVIOLET light is absent indoors. It is absent in sewage systems as well. Therefore, it has to be installed in a way that is safe for human beings.
HVAC systems need to have an ultraviolet light exposure either at the filtration system and/or in the duct system. Easy. The danger is from gaps in the duct system that allows the UV (ultraviolet) out in streams of light. To that end the ductile system must be tested for containing leaks, especially where earthquakes occur regularly. The other danger is to maintenance persons. They will have to shut down the UV system when working on it for whatever reason. Such maintenance should take place when people are not there for work or simply minimize those exposed to air at that time. UV is great for Sick Building Syndrome, unless there are pollutants like radon or VOC. In that case the pollutant needs to be eliminated and then install UV.
For homes: Any commercially available AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM/APPLIANCE WITH UV will handle it. These appliances can treat the room or a larger living space. If ducts are used for heat then a UV unit at the point of filtration is best and the whole house is treated. These units cost as low as $99.00 per unit that successfully treats a large living space.
The best way to eliminate any pathogen in any living space is positive press that forces are down to the floor and is vented outside but through an air register at the floor to pull the air through a UV filtration and outside. The higher the air exchanges the safer the breathing. These systems tend to be a little pricey because they are normally used for places like hospitals that usually have air exchanges of 4 to 5 complete air exchanges per minute.
There is real opportunity for commercial ventures within this paradigm. This paradigm can also be required by zoning committees in any town or city.
I also mentioned sewage treatment must address pathogens as many are carried in the GI tract. The urinary system is considered sterile but can be infected. Urinary infections are usually uncomfortable. But, we know pathogens live through human body processes to be discharged into a toilet or urinal. A UV system can be installed at the treatment facility and included in the treatment of human waste. Here again the persons working in the plant must be protected from exposure. This is not difficult to do.
A far more sophisticated approach is a preliminary exposure of human waste before it reaches the treatment plant. That is achieved by installing UV throughout the sewage PIPE system where human waste travels to the treatment plant. This type of UV treatment of human waste already exists in theory and probably in practice in some places in the USA.
Good luck. This is not a huge issue and nothing to be afraid of if all the recommendations of the CDC are followed along with a concern for one’s own health and the vulnerability of others.
