Ultraviolet light can kill almost all the viruses in a room. Why isn’t it everywhere?::Can special lightbulbs end the next pandemic before it starts?

  • SlamWich@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    Jeez, every response in here is about it burning your eyes. Thing is, people aren’t in every room all the time. Have it set to a sensor, same as the lights, and you can quickly sanitize large spaces that are unoccupied. Elevators, airplanes, etc can be sanitized the second they’re empty. My FIL is a retired GE engineer working on this technology.

    • derf82@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      Have it set to a sensor, same as the lights

      Given how often the lights go out at work while I’m taking a dump, this isn’t the best idea.

      • Pyr_Pressure@lemmy.ca
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        9 months ago

        It’s definitely easier to tell if something is in a room than it is to tell if nothing is in a room. And sensors still fail at that. Timers would probably be better, since you don’t need disinfection every time a room is used.

        If you know the office building will be empty every day at 2AM have the lights do their work between 2-3 every morning.

    • piecat@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      Sounds dangerous

      I have lights go out on me all the time at the office, just sitting mildly still. What happens if someone falls asleep in the room? Or worse a kid? Severe sunburn and possible blindness

      • JargonWagon@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        Or what if they’re black? I’ve read so many stories about sensors not detecting people simply because they have darker skin.

      • atthecoast@feddit.nl
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        9 months ago

        Better presence sensors exist, and are only used in such critical situations. These are based on radar and sense the chest movements of people.

    • doggle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      9 months ago

      I’ve been in a restroom and had the lights turn off on me because a sensor didn’t detect someone was still I the room. I’d bet good money I’m not the only one. Sensors, presently, are either invasive or inaccurate. Or both.

    • SoylentBlake@lemm.ee
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      9 months ago

      The light can be tucked away into the HVAC. The light never needs to hit anyone. You got central heating/cooling? One light, whole building. It’s almost criminal this isn’t common.