Light as a disinfectant

In recent months, disinfection has taken on a new dimension in many public areas and workspaces as companies make great efforts to eliminate any spread of the Coronavirus. With its new "Integralis" lighting technology Artemide is now offering support in the disinfection of surfaces by providing two solutions in one: lighting and hygiene. In order to achieve the disinfecting effect, violet components are added to the light, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungal spores and mold and kill these off. Nevertheless, users need not worry for their health, or for that of their favorite office plant: The germ reduction is gentle and completely harmless for humans, animals and plants. Once no one is in the rooms in question, a further level of Integralis can then be activated – with the highly effective disinfection via UV light, even viruses no longer stand a chance. An app allows for convenient control of the desired level of efficiency and the length of time for which Integralis is utilized. The lights may be used to support hygiene concepts in hospitals, hotels and restaurants, shops and schools.

"The challenge in developing Integralis lay in creating an efficient and simultaneously effective solution when it came to the disinfecting effect, without lowering our sights in terms of the aesthetics of our lamps," comments Steffen Salinger, Region Director Central- and Eastern Europe at Artemide. The light technology can thus be integrated into a large selection of luminaires and lighting systems from the Artemide collection, such as for example “Discovery Space”, a luminaire consisting of a slim, square aluminum frame into which LED strips are incorporated. When the LEDs are illuminated, they turn the translucent acrylic glass into the emission surface. Artemide founder Ernesto Gismondi designed the “Discovery” lamp two years ago and was rewarded with the prestigious Compasso d’Oro prize for his efforts. If a more discreet light source is desired, the recessed "Sharp" ceiling luminaire with its casing made of extruded aluminum is a great choice. For a more traditional look, the "Nur" aluminum pendant luminaire can simply be fitted out with the new Integralis technology. Expert lighting research is a fundamental part of the work done at Artemide, so even before the Covid-19 outbreak, the team had been working on a lighting solution that offers gentle germ reduction while contributing to a feeling of well-being – in keeping with their philosophy of "The Human Light".