``UVC'' Lights in HVAC Systems Help Protect Buildings Against Anthrax Threat.

Business Editors

CERRITOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 2001

Steril-Aire(R), Inc. has announced that its germicidal "UVC" light fixtures, which are designed specifically to destroy harmful microbes that circulate through heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, can help defend against the threat of infection from inhalation anthrax.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) on behalf of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the University of Cincinnati, Research Triangle, Tulsa University and other organizations have studied the germicidal effectiveness of UVC lights. A NIOSH study performed in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati found that such lights, on a single pass, destroyed more than 99 percent of four separate aerosolized bacteria. The CDC has recommended UVC as part of a successful engineering control strategy to prevent the transmission of tuberculosis in health care facilities for decades. The American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineers has also recognized the efficacy of germicidal UVC since 1982. Worldwide, UVC is used extensively to kill or inactivate microorganisms of all types.

Steril-Aire, Inc., which holds multiple patents for the development of "HVAC-style" UVC lights, reports a recent upsurge in business from facilities of all types concerned about bioterrorism. Installed in HVAC systems, the lights emit high-intensity ultraviolet "C" energy to eradicate bacteria, mold and viruses that grow in or circulate through these systems. "Based on UVC's proven ability to inactivate even the heartiest bacteria, it promises to be a very effective control mechanism against the inhalation of anthrax necessary to contract this form of the disease," advised Forrest B. Fencl, president and CEO of Steril-Aire. Fencl offers these guidelines to potential users of the technology:

-- For optimum protection, develop a multi-pronged HVAC strategy using air
filtration, UVC, alarm/control devices, proper ventilation practices and a
"lockdown."

-- UVC may be used in tandem with air filtration devices found in most
buildings today. An upgrade to higher efficiency filters is advised only if the
upgrade will not affect total airflow and therefore reduce the number of air
changes in the building. It is important to maximize total airflow when trying
to reduce concentrations of anthrax or any airborne particle, infectious or
not.

-- If a system is already equipped with HEPA or other high efficiency filters,
these devices will effectively trap most airborne bacteria, including anthrax,
and prevent them from recirculating through the facility. However, the filters
can become a biohazard as a result. UVC lights installed upstream of certain
filters can destroy microbes trapped inside to help prevent this problem.
Again, make sure system airflow has not been compromised over the years by
checking the original balance report.

-- In a high-risk area with a high-profile building, consider shutting down
accessible outdoor intakes on lower floors. Also consider locks on system
access doors and/or changing of locks on the mechanical rooms. Restrict entry
into these areas to known people under escort. If return air registers are
accessible in any way, they should be guarded. If the building has automated
system controls, configure an alarm to signal if tampering occurs with certain
operations.

-- Return or restore equipment to clean and efficient operation. This will help
maximize airflow and reduce concentrations of potential contaminants. In
addition to destroying Bacillus anthracis, E. coli, Legionella, TB and other
infectious disease organisms, UVC also eliminates the organic contaminants that
build up on the coil and in the drain pan areas -- thereby improving the
cleanliness and efficiency of HVAC systems. Most installations offer a rapid
payback through resulting energy savings and reduced system maintenance.

UVC technology has existed for more than 70 years and is most frequently used outside the U.S., primarily for water disinfection. The newer HVAC-style UVC lights, pioneered by Steril-Aire, deviate from conventional technology because they have been engineered to provide peak performance in cold and moving air environments. Independently verified testing confirms output of these HVAC-style lights to be up to seven times greater than other products.

For further information, contact Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. No. D, Cerritos, Calif. 90703; fax [phone]; e-mail [e-mail]; or visit the company's Web site at www.steril-aire-usa.com.