Tag Archives: UV light

Opinion: Young Jamaican’s Invention Could Help End Spread Of Viruses Like COVID-19

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Five years ago more than 40 babies born in Jamaican hospitals became infected with lethal bacteria – half of them died. The bacteria Klebsiella, like the coronavirus, is spread from person-to-person or via contaminated surfaces. It can be killed by hand-washing with warm soapy water.The situation caught the attention of technology student Rayvon Stewart based in Jamaica who set about finding a way to curb the spread of harmful germs. “I made a determined decision that I was going to find a solution to limit the transfer of pathogens to multiple surfaces, thereby saving lives,” says Rayvon.
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Patricia Scotland
Young innovators in health
I met Rayvon at the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting (CHMM) in Geneva last year. He was among the finalists shortlisted for last year’s Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards. He took part in an exhibition on the theme ‘Universal Health Coverage: Reaching the unreached, ensuring that no-one is left behind’ which highlighted how young people are tackling age-old challenges with modern technology and disruptive thinking.

The event underlined Commonwealth commitment to empowering young people as outlined in our charter and also our contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. I spoke to five extraordinary innovators who made it as finalists of the Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards which recognize outstanding young people whose groundbreaking projects have made a real impact in helping their countries achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to ‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’.

William Wasswa was working on a digital pathology platform for automated diagnosis and classification of cervical cancer from pap-smear images. Then there was Midia Hassan using 3D printing technology to provide prosthetics to amputees living in refugee camps and poverty zones. Another timely invention is that of Nitash Jangir who was one of 15 finalists at our SDG innovation awards. Nitash invented a neonatal breathing support device for low resource settings, with multiple powering options. It maintains respiration and oxygenation in premature neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome by providing constant airflow and pressure to keep the lungs open during transport to a tertiary care setting.

I was struck by the ability of young minds to find solutions to real problems in their communities, and their persistence in finding support to scale-up their projects.In Rayvon’s case, he focused on the most common places where bacteria and viruses could easily be left by one person and picked up directly by another. He came up with what he calls ‘Xermosol’- a simple-to-install device that automatically disinfects door knobs and handles after each use.

The innovation uses ultraviolet light to target and specifically kill harmful microorganisms, while being harmless to human beings.

The potential to save lives
The potential impact of Rayvon’s invention could now be even more important than when he first conceived it, as the world battles the frightening COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus lives up to two or three days on stainless steel and metal, and several hours on fabric depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Field and laboratory testing has validated Xermosol’s efficiency in killing more than 99.9% of deadly pathogens. In addition to health facilities, Rayvon hopes it could help reduce transmission of germs in other public spaces such as schools and businesses.

Tests carried out in conjunction with University of Technology, Jamaica and University of the West Indies show Xermosol destroys organisms such as MRSA and E-coli and destroys viral cells such as influenza virus H1N1.This is a huge step in the fight against microorganisms and offers new ways of thinking around combatting viral cells such as Coronavirus.

Supporting young people to innovate
Rayvon says the recognition he received from the Commonwealth Health Innovation Awards was a key moment in Xermosol’s progress, generating immense interest in the project. But now the production of Xermosol faces a number of considerable challenges – from development funding to finding a manufacturer to mass produce. Financing options are mostly focused on large-scale innovation, but the Commonwealth is exploring and proposing that all 54 member-countries go into partnership with the Global Innovation Fund to help young innovators like Rayvon.

Over the past two years, the Commonwealth Youth Health Network has worked closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and member states to leverage the unique capabilities of young people and drive forward progress toward SDG3 (which includes a bold commitment to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases) and health-related development goals. Citizens aged under 30 comprise 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s population – a proportion that is 10 per cent higher than the global average.

In the course of my interaction in and with our member countries I am continually impressed by the drive of these 1.4 billion young people. They have the ideas, energy and talent to make a huge difference in their communities – and they are doing so. For the Silo, Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General. Featured image: mock up of one type of door handle with integrated UV light.

Supplemental

The History of UV light disinfection.

Why UVGI? - UV Systems Stop Kennel Cough, Parvo, Influenza & More!

Professional salons respond to Canada’s “Teen tanban” legislation via JCTA

KELOWNA, B.C. – The Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA) as the representative voice for Canada’s professional salon sector, responds to the Ontario government’s introduction of a “teen ban” on UV light exposure.

“Ontario’s  professional salon sector is disappointed that this legislation was brought forward. JCTA salons have long instituted standards which restrict access for youth, unfortunately due to the actions of a few bad apples within our industry who do not share the JCTA’s commitment to client protection, the government has felt the need to respond.” said Doug McNabb, JCTA President. http://tanresponsibly.ca/find-a-salon/

image: thefrisky.com
image: thefrisky.com

 

 

 

 

Professional salons, which comprise the JCTA’s membership, already mandate professional control over UV light exposure, age-based restrictions and the continuing education of salon workers. As a result, teenagers currently make up between 2 to 5% of salon sales. http://tanresponsibly.ca/professional-standards/

People who visit JCTA salons are by and large educated adults who look to patronize an establishment that cares as much about their health as they do- that’s why they don’t mind paying a few dollars more for top notch service. Additionally that is why teens have never been a significant market for us. All too often they refuse to take the long term steps needed to build a tan safely and as a result visit non-professional salons which do not limit exposure. Today we see the result of that.

Moving forward, the JCTA is eager to work with government to ensure that regulations under the act do not impose unnecessary red tape on small businesses, who continue to struggle in a difficult economic environment.

 “The JCTA is not opposed to the age based restriction – we currently have one in our professional standards. Our only concern at this point is to ensure that regulations under the act get it right and do not add unnecessary red tape to small businesses.” said Doug McNabb, JCTA President. Ontario’s indoor tanning sector currently comprises over 1000 small salons, operating in every corner of the province. Together these providers (mostly female operators) employ thousands of workers and generate millions of tax dollars for the province.

To Ontarians following this story all I can say is be smart about your choices. http://tanresponsibly.ca/ As an adult tanner you should only visit a professional salon – one that has a current JCTA sticker in the window – and never ever use a self-serve bed. Trained and industry certified operators controlling the equipment is one of the best ways for you to minimize risk.

This simplified diagram shows the spectrum of light. Tanning beds use UV ultra-violet light. At extreme frequencies, UV light can destroy cellular tissue-  the JCTA represents professional tanning salons in Canada and works to ensuring safety for all users. The recent move by the Canadian government to ban "teen tanning" is has upset the JCTA.
This simplified diagram shows the spectrum of light. Tanning beds use UV ultra-violet light. At extreme frequencies, UV light can destroy cellular tissue- the JCTA represents professional tanning salons in Canada and works to ensuring safety for all users. The recent move by the Canadian government to ban “teen tanning” is has upset the JCTA.

 

 

 

 

The Joint Canadian Tanning Association (JCTA) is a national non-profit organization created to increase understanding of the professional tanning industry’s scientifically supported position that regular moderate ultra-violet exposure from sunshine or sunbed in a non-burning fashion is part of a responsible lifestyle that recognizes both the inherent benefits and the manageable risks associated with ultraviolet light exposure.  For the Silo, Steven Gilroy Executive Director JCTA

Supplemental- It is difficult to contextualize the full story of tanning beds especially in terms of any possible associated health risks. Studies can show no health risk, little health risk, moderate health risk and severe health risk. These studies are greatly variable and depending on the subjects age, gender, health and tanning frequency and although the technology is the same for tanning salons, conditions and equipment can vary. The JCTA works towards ensuring safety standards are met by members. Check with your tanning salon to ensure that they are JCTA members in good standing.

http://hps.org/documents/Tanning_Salons_Fact_Sheet.pdf