The inactivation and removal of airborne Bacillus atrophaeus endospores from air circulation systems using UVC and HEPA filters.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To (i) evaluate the UV radiation in the 'C' band/high efficient particulate air (UVC/HEPA) instrument's potential to inactivate spores of Bacillus atrophaeus and selected Bacillus species and (ii) test whether a titanium dioxide coating inside the cylindrical HEPA filter improves the system's efficacy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Known amounts of dried spore preparations of B. atrophaeus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus thuringiensis were exposed to the UVC lamp within a cylindrical HEPA filter for different time lengths (30 min to 48 h) and with different air flow speeds (0-235 l s(-1)). The log(10) reduction (range 5-16 logs) of colony forming units for spores exposed to the UVC compared with the unexposed spores was significant (P < 0.0001). The addition of a titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) veneer to the interior surface of the HEPA filter significantly increased the inactivation of spores (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The UVC/HEPA unit could inactivate spores of B. atrophaeus, B. cereus, B. megaterium, B. stearothermophilus and B. thuringiensis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The UVC/HEPA unit represents an effective method of decontaminating circulating air within an air-duct system as found in a building.