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Worried about HMPV? Use Air Purifiers with UV Disinfection!

uBreathe's UV disinfection system is an integral part of its air purification technology, designed to neutralize airborne pathogens, including Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).


HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.


How UV Disinfection Helps Combat HMPV



  1. Direct Inactivation of Viral RNA:UV-C light (wavelength 200–280 nm) damages the nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) of viruses. Specifically, it forms pyrimidine dimers in RNA, rendering the virus incapable of replication or infection.

  2. High Efficiency for Airborne Pathogens:HMPV, like many respiratory viruses, is transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosols. uBreathe's UV disinfection targets these microscopic particles within the airflow, ensuring pathogens are neutralized before the air is released back into the environment.


    When to Suspect HMPV

  3. Continuous Sterilization:Unlike chemical disinfectants, which require time and direct application, UV-C systems in uBreathe work continuously and rapidly to sterilize the air as it passes through the unit, reducing the risk of virus spread.

  4. Reduced Risk of Secondary Contamination:Because UV disinfection doesn't rely on physical filters alone, it minimizes the buildup of live pathogens on filter surfaces, reducing the chance of secondary contamination during maintenance or filter replacement.


    When to Consult a Doctor

    How UV Disinfection Targets HMPV

    1. Destroys Viral DNA/RNA:UV-C light at a specific wavelength (usually around 254 nm) penetrates the outer protein shell of microorganisms, including HMPV. It damages the virus's RNA, rendering it incapable of replicating or infecting host cells.

    2. Airborne Virus Neutralization:Since HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces, UV disinfection in air purifiers deactivates the virus in real-time as air passes through the system. This is particularly effective in indoor environments where airborne transmission risk is higher.

    3. Continuous Protection:Unlike surface cleaning, which requires repeated action, UV disinfection provides continuous sanitization of air, reducing the viral load over time and creating a safer environment.



Benefits of uBreathe's UV Disinfection for HMPV

  • Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Neutralizing airborne viruses helps improve the overall air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory infections.

  • Non-Chemical Solution: UV disinfection is chemical-free, eco-friendly, and doesn't produce harmful byproducts like ozone.

  • Complement to Nature-Based Technology: When combined with Breathing Roots technology, UV-C light offers a holistic solution to address both particulate matter and microbial contamination.



Supporting Research References

  1. Beck, S. E., et al. (2016). "UV disinfection of human enteric viruses: Evidence for a viral replication mechanism inhibited by UV radiation." Applied and Environmental Microbiology. DOI: 10.1128/AEM.03022-15

    This study explains how UV-C inactivates viruses by damaging their RNA/DNA, with a focus on efficacy across different pathogens.

  2. Heßling, M., et al. (2020). "Ultraviolet irradiation doses for coronavirus inactivation – review and analysis of coronavirus sensitivity." GMS Hygiene and Infection Control. DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000343

    While this study focuses on coronaviruses, the mechanisms of UV-C disinfection are comparable for HMPV and other similar viruses.

  3. Darnell, M. E., & Subbarao, K. (2006). "Inactivation of the coronavirus that induces severe acute respiratory syndrome, SARS-CoV." Journal of Virological Methods. DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2005.11.004

    The research highlights how UV-C light effectively inactivates viruses in aerosols, which parallels HMPV's transmission dynamics.


Get the uBreathe Respiratory Health Risk Assessment to see if you need a purifier for your family or your space.



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