Lighting up a virus-free future for all

A TRALEE man’s tech firm is literally lighting-up the way towards a future safe – or at least safer – from nasty bacteria and viruses.

John O’Connell’s Shannon-based company CW Applied Technology is ramping up production of a special device that emits virus and bacteria-killing UV light.

The concept has already proven successful in inactivating Sars-Cov-2 viruses on surfaces, and it’s expected that the device John’s firm is producing, and others of its type, will become a key bit of kit in hospitals’ war against infection long into the future.

UV radiant energy’s disinfectant properties have been known since the late 1800s and UV-Cs – or germicidal UV (GUV) devices – are already in use in some healthcare facilities using robotic or manually managed units.

“It’s one more weapon in the arsenal of cleaning tools needed as we return to work,” the former Tralee CBS student told The Kerryman.

“As a very imminent consultant surgeon told us recently, UV-C products like ours should be ‘as ubiquitous as the mop and bucket on every hospital ward, GPs office and dental practice in the country’. Not only in those places, but every premises where the public will gather soon again,” he added.

“When all is said and done, our product delivers two key results. One, it helps inactivate viruses and kills bacteria left behind on surfaces after a deep clean and, two, it provides reassurance to both employees and clients that a facility or business is taking every step to protect their health while on their premises.”

Now, it’s hoped to drive sales in the business sector in a way that will help the country get back to work faster.

“The UV-C Room Sterilizer is extremely easy to operate; after the standard room clean, the UV-C Room Sterilizer is merely plugged into a standard socket for the required time, and when you come back the room has been sterilized... Of course these units are also suitable for nursing homes, care homes, dentists’ and doctors’ offices, as well as retail outlets, and can be used immediately to help give an extra level of comfort to the disinfection process which has to take place in every space now,” John explained.

John O’Connell deploying the mobile virus and bacteria destroyers – simply plug them in and leave them work their UV magic for a couple of hours. He hopes his company CW Applied Technology can help get Ireland back to work faster by guaranteeing the sterilisation of all surfaces under their bright gaze.