What is Indigo-Clean technology?
Indigo-Clean, an environmental microbial reduction technology, uses visible light to kill harmful viruses and bacteria continuously and automatically in the environment, while also providing ambient illumination within the space. Indigo-Clean is a technology integrated into light fixtures that install easily into the ceiling to bolster your current cleaning protocols and maintain the bioburden reduction between terminal cleanings. Indigo Clean Technology uses a 405 nm wavelength of light (part of the visible light spectrum) to reduce microbial load, which means the room can be occupied while the light is on.
How has it been tested?
Indigo-Clean technology was invented by the University of Strathclyde, Scotland in 2005. Commercialization efforts have also included a range of laboratory tests, primarily focused on the application science, and demonstrating the performance of the technology in occupied spaces.
Is it safe?
Indigo-Clean is certified ‘Risk Exempt’ by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an internationally recognized standard for the photobiologic safety of lamps and lamp systems: IEC 62471. This means that people can occupy the space for any period of time without the need for exposure limits. Published scientific studies show no damage to human skin and eyes from exposure to 405 nm light at the level of irradiance in which Indigo-Clean operates.
Where should I use it?
With the need for automatic microbial reduction, Indigo-Clean is ideal for use in a wide variety of public settings where people congregate.
How does it work?
Indigo-Clean uses a visible wavelength of light: 405 nm generated from state-of-the-art advances in LED technology. This technology, which has been studied extensively, is shown to kill harmful viruses, bacteria and fungus. The 405nm wavelength emitted from Indigo-Clean targets and excites naturally occurring molecules within the pathogens called porphyrins, to produce intra-cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Similar to bleach, these ROS create an oxidative environment within the organism, inactivating it and preventing it from repopulating the space. This visible wavelength of light reflects off walls and surfaces, providing microbial reduction even in shadowed areas.
Is there any difference in the visual appearance of the light vs a conventional fixture?
Depending on the product, the color of light produced by an Indigo-Clean fixture may appear slightly different than a normal light fixture due to the addition of 405 nm light. However, in isolation, this difference is not discernable to the human eye.
How does the effectiveness of the technology change based on the type of product used?
The dose index factor scientifically determines the necessary light coverage for the space based on the specific product being installed.
What is environmental microbial reduction?
Environmental microbial reduction is the destruction of microorganisms in the air and on surfaces. Its ultimate purpose is to reduce the level of pathogens in spaces where they often reside and re-populate.
How does Indigo-Clean technology differ from other available disinfection methods?
Current environmental microbial reduction methods are applied at discrete moments in time, classifying them as “episodic.” To date, Indigo-Clean is the only visible light microbial reduction technology with a proprietary dosing algorithm for microbial reduction. The bacterial reduction target employed in the algorithm is supported by both published, peer reviewed studies and extensive laboratory testing.
Does Indigo-Clean technology replace my current disinfection protocol?
No. Indigo-Clean technology is designed to reduce harmful pathogen levels in the environment by supplementing your current disinfection efforts. It helps maintain the bioburden reduction between terminal cleanings.
Is the disinfection instant?
Visible light’s (405 nm) mechanism of action is achieved via a slow generation of oxidative stress inside pathogenic cells. As a result, the disinfection is measured over a 24-hour cycle. In instances where pathogens are constantly being reintroduced into the room, Indigo-Clean technology is in continuous operation, providing a reduction of the bioburden within the space.
Where is Indigo-Clean produced?
Kenall’s Indigo-Clean is manufactured in the heartland of the U.S., in a vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Kenosha, WI.
Is Indigo-Clean a medical device?
Kenall’s EPA establishment number for Indigo-Clean is 99283-WI-1, as assigned in since 2020. As such, Kenall considers Indigo-Clean to be a pesticidal device. It is not intended to be a medical device and has not been approved or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a medical device.