LIVONIA–Livonia-based UV Angel announced results of a study of its ultraviolet light-based air filters at a West Michigan location of Trinity Health Senior Communities.
The study demonstrated that UV Angel Clean Air units were effective in significantly reducing airborne and surface bacteria. THSC purchased the UV Angel units as part of an Infection Control Initiative from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for helping to protect senior living residents and employees from the spread of infectious disease.
After installing UV Angel at five senior communities, the study took place at THSC’s McAuley Rehabilitation and Wellness in Muskegon. Some of the focus areas for the study were the highest occupancy activity areas: the resident lounge and the activity center where many residents gather and spend their day. The study yielded outcomes showing a greater than 70% reduction in the number of bacteria in the air resulting in significant improvement in indoor air quality. As an added benefit there was also a significant reduction of bacteria on surfaces without changes to cleaning protocols, staffing, and occupancy rates.
“Protecting the people entrusted to our care, along with the safety of our colleagues and visitors, is our highest priority,” said Stacey Johnson, chief nursing officer for Trinity Health Senior Communities. “We value our partnership with UV Angel, and we’re pleased to see such strong results from the technology as we continue to do everything in our power to mitigate bacteria, viruses and mold in our senior communities. We are thankful for the help provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Infection Control Initiative.”
Utilizing a chemical-free approach, UV Angel Clean Air units are safe to use in occupied spaces and designed to fit seamlessly into a ceiling location. The system quietly draws air from the room into a shielded chamber, where studies have demonstrated UV Angel Clean Air ultraviolet light neutralizes viruses, bacteria, and mold. The clean air is then safely returned to the room, creating a safer and healthier environment. Operating completely independent from conventional building HVAC, the system operates continuously and automatically without disrupting staff workflow or requiring additional staff to operate. Ultraviolet technology is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, and is strongly recommended by the White House as an effective added protection measure against the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and other bioaerosols.
“These results demonstrate UV Angel Clean Air units as a highly effective infection control method to help reduce disease transmission in essential healthcare and skilled nursing facilities,” said Linda D. Lee, chief medical affairs and science officer at UV Angel. “It is gratifying to see these results, as some of our most vulnerable people to disease and other illnesses, live in assisted nursing facilities. These results are consistent with those we have seen within hospitals and align with our original hospital mission to help create safer environments for patients and frontline healthcare workers.”
For more information on how you can apply for funding and participate in the infection control initiative, please contact Stefanie Mosseau at: smousseau@uvangel.com or (888) 277-2596, Ext. 729.
More about UV Angel, founded in 2014, at uvangel.com.
Trinity Health Senior Communities serves more than 3,000 seniors in its 33 independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and subsidized senior housing communities across the United States. For more information, visit trinityhealthseniorcommunities.org.