Light-based sterilization is nothing new - ultraviolet light can do a number on pathogens, though it also does damage to humans - but the new method uses a narrow spectrum of visible, harmless light wavelengths known as HINS (High Intensity, Narrow Spectrum) light to do the trick. HINS light excites molecules within bacteria such that they produce a chemically lethal response, in essence pushing bacteria to kill themselves. But while it drives bacteria to cell suicide, it’s harmless to humans and therefore can be incorporated into existing lighting systems in clinical environments to provide continuous sterilization of surfaces and air.
Continuous sterilization, of course, keeps infectious bacterial pathogens from spreading around places like hospital wards, where immune systems are low and the chances of infection are high.
And what of the violet hue? Some might find it a nice ambient addition to the usual bright-white aura of the average operating theater. But for the sake of consistency the team has also figured out how to integrate the HINS light with a combination of LED technologies to produce a warm white light that can be used alongside the usual hospital lighting scheme.
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This makes me wonder if the technology could be adapted to an open office environment. Killing off infectious deseases, before they spread to your colleauges.
The same could be said in a classroom. How many children fall sick every year?
On the flip side, this could inadvertantly lead to people having a weaker immune system due to a lack of exposure to said deseases.