Indoor Air Quality Control - UVC Lamps UVC Lights

STERIL-AIRE BULLETIN FOCUSES ON "UVC AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS"

Burbank, CA, September 2006 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has published a new application bulletin describing how its multi-patented "UVC" technology can protect offices, stores and other commercial buildings while reducing costs. The bulletin, titled "UVC and Commercial Buildings", explains how UVC devices installed in the air handling systems can result in a wide range of benefits, including mold and microbial control, enhanced IAQ, and energy and maintenance savings.

The bulletin includes an overview of UVC features and benefits, a four-year cost-saving example, and product information on the different types of UVC devices for commercial HVAC applications. Customer testimonials are also included.

For a free copy of the bulletin, contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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New Orleans, May 2006 - A research study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service has found that high-output ultraviolet-C (UVC) lights are effective in improving the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon. The findings of the study, which used high-output UVC lights manufactured by Steril-Aire, Inc., have far-reaching implications because the $15 billion fresh-cut produce industry is one of the fastest growing categories in the U.S. food market today.

Olusola Lamikanra, a chemist with ARS's Food Processing and Sensory Quality Research Unit and leader of the study, says: "What is holding fresh-cut fruits back are the physiological and biochemical changes that occur when they are processed and stored. Compared to vegetables, fruits commonly used for the fresh-cut market generally have a higher pH and water content, making them more vulnerable to microorganisms and enzymatic changes." When fruit is sliced, he noted, sensory qualities such as taste and texture will be altered, nutrients lost, and bacteria and molds introduced.

In the study, researchers investigated the potential for high-output UVC light to diminish these vulnerabilities. They compared three groups of cut cantaloupe: (1) melon exposed to UVC light after processing - the most common method of UVC application; (2) melon exposed to UVC during the cutting process; and (3) a control group of non-UVC-treated cut fruit.

The UVC light source was a 24"-long, food-grade Steril-Aire "UVC Emitter™". The research team cut the melons uniformly and exposed them to UVC irradiation for approximately four minutes. The cut fruit from all three test groups then underwent a series of tests to measure enzymatic activity, respiration rate, texture and microbiological activity. In addition, nine experienced panelists performed a descriptive sensory analysis of cut melon samples.

According to the study, "Results indicate that while post-cut application of UV improved shelf life of cut cantaloupe melon, cutting fruit under UVC radiation further improves product quality."
More specifically, the study found that UVC radiation during processing reduced rancidity and improved firmness retention in the stored fruit. It also reduced spoilage microorganisms such as mesophilic and lactic acid bacteria.

UVC energy is best known in the food industry for its ability to kill or inactivate mold and bacteria that may contaminate food products. The cantaloupe study supports this premise - yet it provides important new evidence that UVC also produces favorable enzymatic changes during processing. "Cutting a cantaloupe under UVC light causes a hypersensitive defense response to take place within its tissues," states Lamikanra. He says the reaction can be compared to the way we create antibodies when confronted with environmental stresses. This UVC-induced stress response helps explain how the fruit stayed fresher for several days longer.

Lamikanra plans to conduct a second phase of the study to investigate how one or more exposures to UVC light may be combined with other technologies to further enhance produce shelf life and quality. By extending the shelf life of high-value perishable food items, food processors can achieve greater profitability and operational efficiencies.

For a reprint of the complete study, "Effect of Processing Under Ultraviolet Light on the Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe Melon", contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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NEW UVC KIT FOR PTAC SYSTEMS PROVIDES ENERGY SAVINGS, MOLD AND IAQ CONTROL

Burbank, Calif., April 2006 - A new "Packaged Terminal Air Conditioning (PTAC) UVC Kit" that provides energy savings, mold and IAQ control, and reduced maintenance is now available from Steril-Aire, Inc. Each kit contains one UVC Emitter™ and power supply, plus all necessary hardware components to retrofit a PTAC coil or other room unit with UVC. Applications include hotel and motel rooms, apartments and condos, dormitories, patient rooms and classrooms.

Designed for fast and easy snap-in installation, the space-saving kit uses a 24" Emitter tube that fits all types of PTAC coils. Installed opposite the coil, the high output UVC energy provides continuous, non-chemical coil cleaning - improving airflow, temperature and humidity control to save energy. It also stops mold and bacteria at the source, as well as viruses and other airborne microorganisms, enhancing IAQ and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The PTAC UVC Kit is the latest in a series of Steril-Aire retrofit kits designed to improve the performance of unitized A/C systems and deliver better air to the spaces that they serve.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

Burbank, Calif., February 2006 - A new mobile decontamination unit equipped with multi-patented, high output UVC technology is now available from Steril-Aire. Called the "Remedial In-Room Decontamination System (RIDS)", it provides a safe and effective way to decontaminate surfaces infested with mold (such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus), viruses (e.g., colds, flu, SARS and measles); and bacteria (including TB, Legionella, E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and whooping cough).
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The user wheels the RIDS unit into the infested area, leaves the room and turns on the unit remotely, allowing the energy from the high output UVC Emitters™ to decontaminate walls, tabletops and other surfaces. A 12' x 12' area can typically be decontaminated in approximately 24 hours. Multiple RIDS units may be used to treat larger areas.

Steril-Aire UVC technology uses no chemicals, produces no ozone or other toxic contaminants, and minimizes worker exposure during the decontamination process. The high output UVC energy quickly kills or inactivates microorganisms that contribute to poor IAQ and/or the spread of infectious disease.

The portable RIDS unit is suitable for any type of residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building. Applications include residential and commercial surface mold remediation; food preparation and processing areas; surface decontamination in hospitals and health care facilities; and surface treatment in DNA laboratories to prevent cross-contamination.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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Steril-Aire
Robert Scheir, Ph.D.
President and CEO
818-565-1128

Dust Free
Gregg Burnett
800-441-1107

October 10, 2005 - Dust Free, LP, Royse City, Tex. and Steril-Aire, Inc., Burbank, Calif. have entered into a worldwide, non-exclusive cross-licensing agreement relating to certain aspects of the two companies' ultraviolet-C (UVC) technologies.

Under the agreement, Steril-Aire has licensed Dust Free and its affiliate, Burnett Environmental Industries, LLC, to use seven Steril-Aire patents involving the application of UVC devices for coil and drain pan irradiation in HVACR systems, where they are used for mold, microbial and indoor air quality control.

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Burbank, Calif., April 2005 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has been registered by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 Series Standards. Specifically, UL has certified that the Quality Management System in Steril-Aire's Burbank facility is in compliance with ISO 9001:2000 (File No. A13253).

Steril-Aire is a leading manufacturer of ultraviolet-C (UVC) devices for HVAC and food processing applications. The company holds multiple patents for the devices, which offer greatly increased output in cold and/or moving air environments, for superior germicidal performance and extended service life. "Our new ISO 9001:2000 registration status allows us to offer added quality assurance to all of our customers," states Steril-Aire president Robert Scheir, Ph.D.

For further information, contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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Two independent studies conducted by leading market research organizations have confirmed Steril-Aire's leadership in the industry. As the surveys reveal, engineers and contractors agree that Steril-Aire is "First and Best in UVC for HVAC". Key findings include:

· In a survey of HVAC contractors, the Steril-Aire UVC Emitter™ ranked first in awareness among UVC manufacturers/brands - outpacing competitive brands by more than 3 to 1.

· When asked who had the best brand reputation, Steril-Aire outranked the next competitor by nearly 6 to 1.

· When asked to rate the various products, respondents named Steril-Aire "first overall" by a 2-to-1 margin over the second-place brand.

· Steril-Aire also ranked first in product quality, breadth of product line, and the product most often purchased or specified.

· In a separate survey of HVAC engineers, the Steril-Aire UVC Emitter™ again ranked first in recognition among UVC manufacturers/brands - outpacing competitive brands by nearly 3 to 1.

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NEW MODULAR RADIOMETER PROVIDES AFFORDABLE,
RELIABLE MEASUREMENT OF UVC OUTPUT

Burbank, Calif., January 2005 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has introduced a new Modular Radiometer System that provides an affordable, versatile and reliable means for measuring output of ultraviolet-C (UVC) devices. The system includes a separate display, sensor and logic controller, allowing the use of some or all components to fit the needs of the end-user. Applications for the UVC monitoring device include large or critical HVAC installations, and surface disinfection systems in manufacturing clean rooms and food processing areas.

The modular radiometer can measure UVC output in both microwatts/cm2 and in a user-defined pre-set percentage - functions usually found together only in more expensive models. It thereby ensures changeout of UVC lamps at optimum intervals, for maximum economy with no compromise in performance.

NIST (National Institute of Standards Testing) traceable calibration resides within the sensor for ease of calibration. Only the sensor is needed for recalibration service, allowing the rest of the network to remain intact. In addition, the logic controller provides easy-to-read visual indication of relative power and UVC lamp output. It may be used with a portable (hand-held) and/or stationary display module to provide digital readout data of relative or absolute power output of the lamp in microwatts/cm2. The logic controller is easily connected to HVAC building management systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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Burbank, Calif., November 2004 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has moved to an expanded corporate headquarters facility here, tripling its manufacturing capacity and its sales and administrative office space. The new headquarters also features a fully equipped research laboratory dedicated to keeping Steril-Aire in the forefront of "UVC for HVAC™", a technology pioneered by the company in the mid 1990s.

"In less than 10 years, the use of UVC energy for mold and microbial control in HVAC systems has gone from an unknown concept to a widely accepted practice," notes Steril-Aire president Robert Scheir, Ph.D. "Our move to an expanded facility reflects this growing demand in the marketplace."

Steril-Aire manufactures and markets a complete line of UVC devices and accessories for commercial, residential, school, health care, food processing and industrial applications. The multi-patented devices offer the highest available output in cold and/or moving air environments, for optimum germicidal performance and service life.

The new headquarters facility is located at: Steril-Aire, Inc., 2840 N. Lima St., Burbank, CA 91504; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 818-565-1128; fax 818-565-1129; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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STERIL-AIRE BULLETIN FOCUSES ON "UVC AND SCHOOLS"

Cerritos, Calif., September 2004 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has published a new application bulletin describing how ultraviolet-C or "UVC" technology can protect schools while reducing costs. The bulletin, titled "UVC and Schools", explains how UVC devices installed in the air handling systems can result in a wide range of benefits, including mold and microbial control, enhanced IAQ, and energy and maintenance savings. In addition, by reducing the spread of infectious diseases, the devices have also been proven to reduce absenteeism.

The school bulletin includes an overview of UVC features and benefits, as well as product information on the different types of UVC devices available for school applications. Testimonials from schools currently using the technology are also highlighted.

For a free copy of the bulletin, contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 562-467-8484; fax 562-467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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NEW UVC KIT FOR FAN COILS PROVIDES MOLD AND IAQ CONTROL

Cerritos, Calif., August 2004 - A new "Fan Coil UVC Kit" that provides mold and IAQ control, energy savings, and reduced maintenance is now available from Steril-Aire, Inc. Each kit contains a UVC Emitter™ and power supply, plus all necessary hardware components to retrofit a fan coil with UVC. The retrofit kit makes it possible to install UVC lights in some of the most difficult to maintain yet widely used A/C systems in the HVAC industry. Applications include hotels, schools, apartments, office buildings, patient rooms, or anywhere fan coil units are located.

Designed for fast and easy snap-in installation, the space-saving kit fits all major fan coil brands. Emitter tubes come in a choice of six lengths from 16" to 42": The correct quantity of kits and/or tube lengths must be selected to irradiate the entire coil. Installed across from the cooling coil, the Emitters irradiate high output UVC energy to eliminate surface contaminants and reduce airborne microbial contaminants.

Steril-Aire's multi-patented devices safeguard building occupants by preventing the spread of infectious diseases, while also eliminating mold and associated odors. In addition, the UVC energy continuously cleans coils - improving airflow, temperature and humidity control while reducing energy consumption. Steril-Aire devices been independently tested to deliver an average of five (5) times the output of other UVC devices, for longer tube life and better germicidal control.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 562-467-8484; fax 562-467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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Cerritos, Calif., July 2004 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has published a new general products catalog that showcases its expanded line of UVC Emitters™ for mold and microbial control, enhanced IAQ and energy savings.

The eight-page catalog describes Steril-Aire's complete line of UVC devices and accessories for commercial, health care, food processing, school, industrial and residential applications. Life cycle cost information, UVC output data and other technical information are also included.

Steril-Aire has become a pioneer in "UVC for HVAC™" because its multi-patented devices offer greatly increased output in cold and/or moving air environments, providing superior germicidal performance and longer service life. For a free catalog, contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 562-467-8484; fax 562-467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com.

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STERIL-AIRE GRANTS LICENSE TO UVDI FOR UVC COIL AND DRAIN PAN APPLICATIONS

March 8, 2004 - Steril-Aire USA, Inc., Cerritos, Calif., and Ultraviolet Devices, Inc. (UVDI), Valencia, Calif., have entered into a world-wide non-exclusive license covering a number of Steril-Aire's patents and UVDI's ALTRU-VTM products. The products covered are V-Mod, V-Strike and V-Strike IDM ultraviolet (UVC) fixtures. The license is limited to certain applications and a subset of the Steril-Aire patent portfolio relating to coil and drain pan irradiation.

"We are pleased to have UVDI as a licensee under our ground-breaking patents," said Robert Scheir, Ph.D., president of Steril-Aire.

Dan Goetz, president of UVDI, added: "UVDI believes this agreement provides UVDI, its distributors and representatives additional opportunities to apply UVC to coil and drain pan applications."

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Cerritos, Calif., March 2004 - A new "Unit Ventilator UVC Kit" that controls mold and airborne diseases for enhanced classroom indoor air quality is now available from Steril-Aire, Inc. Each kit contains one UVC Emitter™ and power supply, plus all the necessary hardware components to retrofit a unit ventilator with UVC: Two to six kits typically serve the entire coil. Installed Emitters fit across from the cooling coil, irradiating high output UVC energy to eliminate surface contaminants and reduce airborne microbial contaminants.

Classroom unit ventilators have long presented an IAQ challenge because many are equipped with low efficiency filters that do not effectively capture infectious disease particulates or mold. Due to space and airflow limitations, these units cannot be retrofitted with high efficiency filtration. The Unit Ventilator UVC Kit provides a practical and effective solution using Steril-Aire's multi-patented UVC technology.

Designed for fast and easy snap-in installation, the space-saving kit fits all major unit ventilator brands, including blow-through and draw-through coil styles. It safeguards classroom occupants by preventing the spread of colds, flu, and other viral and bacterial infections, while also eliminating mold and associated odors. The UVC energy continuously cleans coils - improving airflow, temperature and humidity control while saving energy. It has been independently tested to deliver an average of five (5) times the output of other UVC devices, for longer tube life and better germicidal control.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone 800-2STERIL (800-278-3745) or 562-467-8484; fax 562-467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com

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NEW HAND-HELD UVC "WAND" ERADICATES MOLD, BACTERIA AND OTHER SURFACE CONTAMINANTS

Cerritos, Calif., November 2003 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has introduced a handheld"SterilWand™" that uses the company's multi-patented UVC technology for decontamination of surfaces infested with mold, bacteria or viruses.

The user slowly passes the handheld device closely over the contaminated surface area, allowing the energy from the 30"-long, high output UVC Emitter™ to decontaminate surfaces. An aluminum safety shield prevents direct exposure to UVC energy, while also adding reflectance that increases the light's effectiveness.

The SterilWand may be used in any type of residential, commercial, industrial or institutional building to provide a fast-acting, portable method of decontaminating tabletops, walls and other
surfaces. The most common applications include laboratories, hospitals, food and beverage processing areas, schools, libraries and homes. The device is suitable for a variety of specialized uses, e.g.:

— Residential and commercial mold remediation (as a supplement to other control strategies)
— Food preparation and processing and yeast rooms to reduce contamination
— DNA laboratories to prevent cross-contamination.
— Surface decontamination in hospitals.
— Libraries, to eradicate mold on book surfaces.

In addition to the portable SterilWand, Steril-Aire offers a complete line of installed UVC devices to decontaminate air conditioning coils, ductwork and other HVAC components. The company is the leader in UVC technology because its devices offer greatly increased output in all conditions including cold and/or moving air environments - providing superior germicidal performance, longer life, and optimal maintenance and energy savings.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone (562) 467-8484; fax (562) 467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com

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STERIL-AIRE® TO RECEIVE 11th PATENT, UPDATED UL LISTING FOR UVC DEVICES

Cerritos, Calif., May 2003 - Steril-Aire, Inc. has announced that the company is about to receive its eleventh patent from the U.S. Patent Office, as well as an updated listing from Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

The company's latest patent covers the application of UVC light to break down airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and common organic odors. Using the patented methodology, Steril-Aire's germicidal UVC devices can reduce VOC and odor concentrations. As a result, the air in a mechanically ventilated space can smell cleaner because it is cleaner.

"Steril-Aire already has a formidable portfolio of patents covering the irradiation of cooling coils, NEMA 4x enclosures, and many other aspects of the design and application of UVC light. However, this marks the first time UVC will be patented for its ability to reduce contamination from VOCs and odors," states Robert Scheir, Ph.D., president of Steril-Aire, Inc. "This added dimension of performance applies not only to new devices manufactured by our company, but also to thousands of our existing UVC installations."

As another part of its ongoing technological improvement program, the company has also begun receiving its new listings under UL 1995. The first listing applies to "X-Mount" (Model SE) and "X-Mount Plus" (Model SEN) UVC Emitters™, which are externally mounted, single-end-tube style commercial UVC devices.

Steril-Aire has become a leader in UVC technology because its multi-patented devices offer greatly increased output in cold and/or moving air environments, providing superior germicidal performance and longer life in HVAC and food processing applications.

For further information: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; telephone (562) 467-8484; fax (562) 467-8481; e-mail sales@steril-aire.com; Web site www.steril-aire.com

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RESEARCH STUDY FINDS HVAC-STYLE "UVC" LIGHTS REDUCE FUNGAL CONTAMINATION IN BUILDING AIR-HANDLING UNITS


Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 2002 - A research study, conducted in a 286,000 sq. ft. office building here, has found that Steril-Aire "UVC" light fixtures are effective in reducing fungal contamination within air-handling units (AHUs). The findings are significant because fungal contamination is recognized as a continually present and widespread phenomenon in building HVAC systems, and a major contributor to building-related illnesses, including both infectious and hypersensitivity diseases.

The study, led by Dr. Estelle Levetin, one of the nation's top mycologists (University of Tulsa Faculty of Biological Science), involved a total of eight air handlers: four test units treated with UVC lights manufactured by Steril-Aire, Inc. (Cerritos, Calif.), and four control units with no UVC. The research team took air and surface samples from all of the air handlers in the spring (before cooling season) and fall (after cooling season) of the same year. The objective was to prove that fungal contamination of HVAC systems is a year-around condition that can be effectively reduced through proper application of UVC.

The surface samples, taken from the air handlers' insulation prior to cooling season and before the UVC lights were turned on, contained nearly identical mean concentrations of fungi - approximately 212-213 x 103 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm2. After cooling season, in the untreated (control) air handlers, fungal concentrations increased more than tenfold to 2,240 x 103 CFU/cm2; while in the UVC-treated air handlers, concentrations decreased to 30.5 x 103 CFU/cm2. This is nearly a 99 percent reduction in the contamination of the insulation surfaces.

Similar results occurred with the air samples. Sampling in the spring showed mean concentrations of fungi to be similar in the control and test units - about 21-22 x 102 CFU/cm3. After cooling season, the control units with no UVC experienced a tenfold increase in fungal concentrations (to 239.52 x 102 CFU/cm3), while the UVC-treated air handlers experienced nearly a tenfold reduction in fungi ((to 2.98 x 102 CFU/cm3). Again, this amounted to a 99 percent reduction in the number of microorganisms circulating through the air handling units from and to the occupied space.

Dr. Levetin concluded that this "germicidal UVC irradiation may be an effective approach for reducing fungal contamination within AHUs."

Steril-Aire, manufacturer of the devices used in the study, holds multiple patents for the development and application of UVC lights that provide optimum performance in HVAC systems and other cold and moving air environments such as food processing plants.

Forrest Fencl, company president and CEO, states: "This scientifically acquired data provides further evidence of the beneficial effects of the Steril-Aire product and approach. Statements from the operators of the facility used in the study and hundreds of others support these findings. Building operators consistently report that the use of UVC yields a noticeable difference in air quality, while enabling them to reduce or eliminate costly cleaning of coils, drain pans and plenums. Also, because there is no mold or organic buildup to compromise performance, air handling equipment runs more efficiently and energy costs are reduced."

For a reprint of the complete study, "Effectiveness of Germicidal UVC Irradiation for Reducing Fungal Contamination within Air-Handling Units" (as published in "Applied and Environmental Microbiology") contact: Steril-Aire, Inc., 11100 E. Artesia Blvd. #D, Cerritos, CA 90703; phone (562) 467-8484; fax (562) 467-8481; or e-mail sales@steril-aire.com

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