Assessment of a new UV-C light-emitting diode–based technology for air sanitization in indoor sports environments

Abstract

The beneficial effects that physical activity gives to our bodies are well known, but they could be compromised by reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) in confined sports environments. Within the latter, indoor air often may host high levels of biological pollutants (bacteria, viruses and moulds). The use of UV-C light-emitting diode (UV-C LED) technology can significantly reduce the airborne microbial load, giving many advantages both on a hygienic and ecological level thanks to their reduced environmental impact. In this study, a new eco-friendly technology, named ‘CSA System technology’ (international patent: US20220268458A1), was integrated into an innovative continuous sanitation air (CSA) device. A prototype called CSA System S14000 was installed in a university sport pressostatic structure, and its sanitation efficacy and efficiency were assessed. The prototype demonstrated high efficacy in eliminating airborne microorganisms, both in efficacy tests (inactivation rate around 99.92 ± 0.07%, log reduction of 3.22 ± 0.39) and in on-site environmental tests (inactivation rate around 70.7 ± 3.6% and 72.4 ± 3.3% for airborne bacteria and moulds, respectively). Based on the results, the installation of the tested device in indoor sports environments appears to be a promising solution to guarantee efficient and healthy sanitation for athletes during sporting activity.