In just eight seconds, harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungus clinging to the soles of your shoes – including those associated with Covid-19, Mrsa, and other public health scourges – can be stopped dead in their tracks. And one of Corning’s glass innovations helps make it happen.
Corning and PathO3Gen Solutions began collaborating on the UvZone more than five years ago, with a special interest in mitigating the spread of Mrsa, C. diff, E. coli, and similar pathogens. Early reviews were positive.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the technology has taken on new urgency.
A person entering a sensitive environment simply steps onto the UvZone shoe sanitizing station, a small, portable platform developed by Florida-based PathO3Gen Solutions. The unit activates a controlled release of short-wave ultraviolet light (known as Uvc) through a window of Corning High Purity Fused Silica.
The intense light causes the formation of ozone around the shoe, which breaks the microorganisms’ outer shell so the Uvc can destroy them. According to independent studies, the process eliminates up to 99.999% of pathogenic microorganisms on the person’s shoes, preventing further spread. Independent studies also show the multi-patented Ozone+Uvc technology is on average 110 times more effective than Uvc light alone.
“We’re pleased to utilize Corning’s best-in-class material as we bring our breakthrough UvZone multi-patented Ozone + Uvc technology to the world. Utilizing Corning’s HPFS allows us to reduce the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, including Human coronavirus, and change the way the world approaches disinfection and safety protocols.” —Scott Beal, COO, PathO3Gen Solutions
