As the second of the new additions to our AirPura HEPA air purifier offering, the UV600 places the focus of filtration on microbes, bacteria, and viruses. With flu season in full force, the time is right to take a look at this well rounded, antimicrobial air purifier.
When it comes to microbes, there are really only two options in terms of neutralizing them – antimicrobial treatments and UV light. Antimicrobial treatments act the same as hand sanitizers, often a blend of agents that kill microbes that pass through the HEPA filter. With the AirPura UV600, you get the other type of technology, UV-C light. UV light has long been shown to neutralize microbes. Since this phenomenon was first described in 1878, UV light has been used in a variety of applications from hospitals to deli counters. A look into how UV light works, demonstrates why it is so effective and why you find it in a broad range of industries.
The two methods in which UV light works is by either breaking molecular bonds within the microbe or physically altering the DNA. In both instances, the end result is either the destruction of organism or an alteration of the DNA to the point where the microbe cannot replicate. In either case, the end result is the effective neutralization of viruses, bacteria, and other germs.
There are also two factors that can shape the effectiveness of UV light – exposure time and wavelength. Exposure time is key to killing microbes. UV light can be strong and of the right wavelength, but if the exposure time is too brief, it may take multiple passes to effectively kill the microbe. Wavelength also effects the efficacy, with 254 nanometers being the wavelength of UV light ideal for neutralizing microbes. 
With the AirPura UV600, the bulb is placed in the center of the filtration chamber, allowing it to effect all microbes that are ensnared in layer of filtration of nearest to it, the HEPA filter. Additionally, the lamp is a UV-C lamp that produces the wavelength necessary to kill microbes.
In addition, to the UV bulb, the AirPura UV600 air purifier has the staples that make AirPura a solid choice for broad removal of pollutants and irritants in your home. A large particle preflight traps visible particles and helps to keep the other layers of filtration clean. After passing through this, the air travels through a 2′ thick carbon filter that adsorbs chemicals, odors, and smoke. As the last two phases, a medical grade HEPA air purifier removes you particle allergens like dander, dust, mold spores, and pollen before the UV light neutralizes microbes. All four layers of filtration are enclosed in a durable steel shell, and for those concerned with noise, the AirPura offers the quietest operation on the lowest fan speed, nearly silent. Like the other models in the AirPura line, the UV600 offers simple operation and the best coverage area of any residential air purifier available.
In all, the UV600 offers comprehensive filtration ideal for those coping with a variety of irritants and anyone looking to reduce microbes in the home or office. To see the full line of AirPura home air purifiers.
Author: K. Gilmore