Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has unveiled its latest tool in the fight against COVID-19: ultraviolet C (UV-C) light sterilization.
The airport's Gabriel Nevarez says the technology is being applied on the handrails of seven escalators in Terminals 3 and 4.
He says UV-C light kills almost 100% of disease-causing microorganisms on the high-touch handrails.
"UV-C is a lower-spectrum, specific light that is known to be a germicide. So, what it does, that light actually kills and destroys microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and molds," Nevarez said.
Nevarez says the initial cost runs from $6,000-$10,000 per escalator.
Airport officials are using the pilot phase to ensure the light sterilization can hold up to the demanding airport environment.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the terminals where the technology is being applied.
