German laboratory confirms effectiveness and safety of Luxibel B AIR V2 UVC air purifier

The independent German laboratory Biotec tested the Luxibel B AIR V2, which showed that in a control room the number of micro-organisms in the ambient air was reduced by more than 90% after 1 hour. After 24 hours, no more viruses could be detected. It was also established that the unit is safe to use as it does not generate any free UVC radiation outside the unit and that no ozone production occurs thanks to the use of high quality light sources from Philips Signify.

B AIR V2 approved as an air purification system in the fight against Covid-19

Back in May 2020, Luxibel launched its first UVC devices for disinfecting air and surfaces. Meanwhile, these systems have already been sold in more than 20 countries for the most diverse applications: from medical practice rooms, to offices, sports clubs, hotels and restaurants. 

At the request of Luxibel, the German research lab Biotec carried out an extensive study into the safety and effectiveness of the B AIR V2 UVC air purifier. A harmless surrogate coronavirus (MS2), which is anatomically similar to the SARS-CoV-2 variant, was used for this test. From measurements, it was clear that the air was 99.994% clean after a single passage through the device: the RNA of the virus is damaged by the strong UVC light in the closed housing of the B AIR V2 to such an extent that the virus is completely neutralised. After one hour of operation, more than 90% of the virus particles in a closed chamber of 11.37 cubic metres were rendered harmless. After 24 hours, no active viruses could be found in this room. 

The study also focused on the safety of the devices: UVC radiation is not suitable for human exposure. It was concluded that no harmful UVC radiation could be measured on the outside of the Luxibel B AIR V2. It was also established that the Signify light sources do not generate ozone.

Since 22 May 2021, manufacturers in Belgium have to follow certain rules for the marketing of air purification systems against Covid-19. These rules are laid down in a ministerial decree and should provide a better overview and control of the supply. This decree defines the standards that ventilation systems for public spaces have to meet and prohibits systems that pose a health risk. The Luxibel B AIR V2 was registered, inspected, approved and published as an approved air purification system in the fight against Covid-19.

In view of autumn and winter, the Belgian government (FPS Public Health) wants to pay attention to the quality of indoor air in publicly accessible areas. There is no obligation for companies, institutions and managers of public spaces to install a ventilation system. However, there are obligations to achieve certain air quality standards. An air purification system is one of the options for meeting these standards.

The High Health Council recommends ventilation to limit airborne transmission of Covid-19 in public spaces. At the same time, it also warns that no ventilation purification system can guarantee 100% virus-free air. Respecting the basic rules, such as wearing a mask, washing hands, cleaning surfaces and keeping the necessary distance is therefore essential.