Innovative Ultraviolet Light Technology Enhances Protection for Older Australians Against Respiratory Infections

Recent advancements in ultraviolet light technology have demonstrated significant potential in reducing respiratory infections among older Australians, particularly in aged care facilities. A new study conducted by scientists from Flinders University and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) tested the use of germicidal UV-C appliances, which work by purifying indoor air and deactivating harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.

Published in MA Internal Medicine, the research involved deploying commercially available UV appliances in several aged care homes across South Australia, both in metropolitan and rural areas. The findings revealed that the implementation of these devices resulted in a reduction of more than 12% in viral respiratory infections in these high-risk environments.

The UV-C appliances can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure, such as mounting on ceilings, walls, or fitting into ventilation systems. They are safe for human exposure and have already shown effectiveness in laboratory and hospital settings by lowering airborne pathogen levels. In the trial, these appliances were installed in communal areas with high foot traffic to evaluate their real-world effectiveness.

While the immediate impact during short-term studies was modest, over the two-year trial period, the appliances contributed to an overall decrease in respiratory infections by approximately 0.3 cases per week. This reduction could be highly significant, considering around 250,000 Australians reside in aged care facilities. Lead researcher Dr. Andrew Shoubridge emphasized that when used alongside traditional infection control practices, UV-C technology could be transformative for infection prevention.

Professor Geraint Rogers, the study's senior author, highlighted the importance of this innovative approach, especially amid threats like COVID-19, which disproportionately affects older populations. The technology's adaptability means it can serve as a vital tool in outbreak prevention in aged care settings and beyond, potentially helping to mitigate future pandemics.

The appliances utilized are already widely used in clinical environments and can be installed with minimal disruption. The study's outcomes suggest that broader adoption of UV-C air purification may significantly bolster efforts to protect vulnerable populations from airborne viral infections.

For more detailed information, the full study is available in MA Internal Medicine, DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.3388. This research underscores the importance of innovative infection control measures in safeguarding older adults against respiratory illnesses.