Click Here.pdf

Numerous infectious diseases are transmitted by airborne and surface pathogens, and there is a demand for cost-effective environmental control protocols. A potential solution is Krypton Chloride (KrCl) excimer lamps, which can efficiently inactivate pathogens. This analysis compares the "hands-on" annual chemical room costs to capital equipment costs to estimate return on investment for safe and effective in-room devices containing 222nm or Far-UV-C technologies.

The current state of chemical-based disinfection has additive costs and hazardous propositions, with manual disinfection methods involving liquid chemical mixing and applications. Reported daily exposure to chemicals and disinfectants has seen dramatic increases, and the long-term health consequences are likely to result in respiratory issues and other problems.

A three-tiered risk level assignment was applied to each room/space based on likely occupancy rates, air volume per room, and medical safety risk. The annual cost per room/space type was calculated based on frequency of cleaning per week over a 52-week period. The results show varying costs per room/space type, ranging from $556.01 for equipment, vehicles, tools, and material handling to $14,180.40 for libraries and other large room gathering spaces.

Other cost considerations not reflected in the models include training and on-boarding, response to a Covid-19 positive individual, cost of manual history record retention, and cost for capital equipment for spray application tools. The hazardous chemical risk, high repeating labor cost, and unknown long-term worker illness liabilities suggest a demand for less exposure to harmful chemicals, and 222nm UVC disinfection devices may be a safe and effective alternative.