UV light disinfection technology could be game-changer in COVID-19 fight

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — A local business has developed human-safe ultraviolet-light disinfection technology it believes could be a game-changer in fighting pathogens like COVID-19 in our workplaces and schools.

Fred Maxik, chief technology officer for Healthe Lighting, says the company uses UV light to disinfect the surfaces and air around people.

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“Basically, we've known for decades almost, 10 decades, that UV lights is capable of deactivating pathogens,” Maxik said.

Maxik is a prolific inventor, holding more than 400 U.S. and international patents.

“Today we manufacture portals and lights and a few other items, as well, that we can put into our offices, our schools, our transportation,” Maxik said. “And utilize it the same way we use a cleaner except for the fact that this is working all the time.”

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Maxik said the products use what is known as far-UVC light. He said it disrupts airborne viruses, but is not harmful to humans.

Researchers at Columbia University's Center for Radiological Research have done experiments showing far-UVC is effective in eradicating two types of airborne seasonal coronaviruses, and said far UV light shows promise for curtailing the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in indoor public places.

“We are in conversations with a couple of schools in the area,” Maxik said. “We’ve been speaking to folks at various research institutes in the area and have good relationships with universities in the area as well.”

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