Ultraviolet light can kill almost all the viruses in a room. Why isn’t it everywhere?::Can special lightbulbs end the next pandemic before it starts?

  • SlamWich@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Jeez, every response in here is about it burning your eyes. Thing is, people aren’t in every room all the time. Have it set to a sensor, same as the lights, and you can quickly sanitize large spaces that are unoccupied. Elevators, airplanes, etc can be sanitized the second they’re empty. My FIL is a retired GE engineer working on this technology.

    • derf82@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Have it set to a sensor, same as the lights

      Given how often the lights go out at work while I’m taking a dump, this isn’t the best idea.

      • Pyr_Pressure@lemmy.ca
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        10 months ago

        It’s definitely easier to tell if something is in a room than it is to tell if nothing is in a room. And sensors still fail at that. Timers would probably be better, since you don’t need disinfection every time a room is used.

        If you know the office building will be empty every day at 2AM have the lights do their work between 2-3 every morning.

    • piecat@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Sounds dangerous

      I have lights go out on me all the time at the office, just sitting mildly still. What happens if someone falls asleep in the room? Or worse a kid? Severe sunburn and possible blindness

      • JargonWagon@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        Or what if they’re black? I’ve read so many stories about sensors not detecting people simply because they have darker skin.

      • atthecoast@feddit.nl
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        10 months ago

        Better presence sensors exist, and are only used in such critical situations. These are based on radar and sense the chest movements of people.

    • doggle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      10 months ago

      I’ve been in a restroom and had the lights turn off on me because a sensor didn’t detect someone was still I the room. I’d bet good money I’m not the only one. Sensors, presently, are either invasive or inaccurate. Or both.

    • AFK BRB Chocolate@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Ever noticed how stuff left out in the sun gets bleached out and doesn’t last very long? Imagine leaving your carpet and all your furniture out in the sun. UV light is very hard on stuff.

    • SoylentBlake@lemm.ee
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      10 months ago

      The light can be tucked away into the HVAC. The light never needs to hit anyone. You got central heating/cooling? One light, whole building. It’s almost criminal this isn’t common.