Dr. Matthew Hardwick will represent Airmid Healthgroup with a podium presentation on germicidal UV performance validation at the 2026 IUVA Americas Conference in Halifax
The 2026 IUVA Americas Conference takes place October 4 to 7 at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The International Ultraviolet Association brings together researchers, engineers, regulators and manufacturers to look at how ultraviolet technologies move from promising research and pilot projects into scalable, reliable solutions across water, air, and surfaces in healthcare and industrial settings. Standards and validation are central themes of this year’s program.
Airmid Healthgroup is pleased to return to the IUVA program, this time with a podium presentation on ASHRAE 185.1 testing of a germicidal UV air cleaning system. The presentation builds on the research Airmid presented at the IUVA World Congress 2025 in Lisbon.
Airmid’s Podium Presentation at IUVA Americas 2026
Dr. Matthew Hardwick will present an accepted podium abstract titled:
“Performance Validation of a Germicidal UV Air Cleaning System Using ASHRAE 185.1”
Authors: Dr. John Ryan, Dr. John McKeon, Angela Southey, Dr. Matthew Hardwick and Oliver Dsa
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 1:40 to 2:00 p.m. (15-minute presentation followed by Q&A)
Location: Room 307, Dalhousie University, Halifax
Why ASHRAE 185.1 Testing Matters for GUV Technologies
Mechanical filtration is still one of the most widely used strategies for managing indoor air quality. High-efficiency filtration, however, comes with trade-offs: higher energy demand, frequent maintenance, and the practical challenge of handling and disposing of contaminated filters. Biological material that builds up on filters may also create occupational exposure risks for the people who replace and clean them.
Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) technologies are emerging as an alternative or complementary approach. Manufacturers point to lower energy use, broad antimicrobial activity, and compatibility with lower-grade mechanical filters while maintaining effective air disinfection. For those claims to be trusted and compared fairly, they need to be tested against a recognized method.
Our ASHRAE 185.1 Testing Approach
This study evaluates a UV air disinfection device using the ASHRAE Standard 185.1 test method. The standard sets out how to measure how well UV-C systems installed in air-handling units and air ducts inactivate airborne microorganisms.
Testing covers three classes of airborne biological contaminant, with a representative organism for each:
- Virus: Influenza A virus (H1N1)
- Bacterium: Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Fungus: Aspergillus niger
By assessing microbial reduction across viral, bacterial and fungal challenges under controlled environmental conditions, the study aims to give a more complete picture of device performance than testing with a single organism can provide.
Contributing to Standardized GUV Evaluation
A consistent, consensus-based approach to testing is what allows engineers, specifiers and facility managers to compare air-cleaning technologies on equal terms. This work aims to generate robust validation data for emerging UV technologies and to support the standardization and harmonization of GUV performance evaluation.
The findings will help inform energy-efficient, safe and effective strategies for indoor environmental control in healthcare, commercial and public settings.
Related Tests and Services at Airmid Healthgroup
- ASHRAE 185.1-2020: Test Method for UV-C Disinfection in Air-Handling Units and Air Ducts
- GUV Regulatory Testing: Airmid at APIC 2026
- Aerobiology Testing Chambers
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited Virology Laboratory and Services
Related Blogs and Case Studies
- An Overview of the ASHRAE 185 Series: Standards for Evaluating Air-Cleaning Technologies
An introduction to the ASHRAE 185 standards used to measure how well air-cleaning technologies remove or inactivate airborne microorganisms. - Case Study: Air Sniper’s Germicidal UVGI Technology, Advancing Indoor Air Quality
How Airmid validated a germicidal UV technology against aerosolized viruses in controlled environmental test chambers. - Airmid Healthgroup at IUVA World Congress 2025: Innovation in IAQ and Aerobiology
Airmid’s research at IUVA 2025 in Lisbon on a duct-mounted UV-C air cleaner, tested alone and combined with mechanical filtration.
