Ultraviolet light to reduce the risk of airborne viral transmission in occupied locations

Dr. David Brenner

Monday, October 11, 2021

Zoom Event page*:

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AEJQ7JVR8M7RCSWlocdZ5wDZVgkNRkSk4yRiDc3JxkYeiza2Vmp48teADqtFXbWvro4fcFs

For the recording of the presentation, go to the

TSK Channel on YouTube

Most of us have heard of UVA and UVB, two ranges of ultraviolet light waves that should be filtered by sunscreen lotions or sprays to protect the human skin from sunburn. But fewer are familiar with UVC and UVV ranges at the far end of ultraviolet light frequencies emitted by the sun.

UVV has the shortest wavelengths. It interacts with oxygen molecules, creating ozone. Ozone is highly reactive. In elevated concentrations, it is deadly to any living organism. If inhaled, it can cause lung cancer! Fortunately, oxygen is abundant enough in the stratosphere for UVV energy to be depleted before it reaches the troposphere, let alone Earth’s surface.

UVC interacts and gets diffused by a variety of molecules in the atmosphere. UVC also does not reach lower elevations.

Besides the ocean, the spherical layering of the atmosphere is the most important natural life-support system of our planet. The highest concentration of ozone occurs at about 15 miles above the surface, which has become known as the ozone layer. Here, most UVB was interacting with ozone. Relatively little UVB reached us before the middle of last century when we started to release massive amounts of chlorine-containing chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the air.

Chlorinated compounds lighter than air, escaping from air-conditioner refrigerants, aerosol sprays and similar products, disrupted the natural ozone balance in the stratosphere by depleting the ozone layer. UVB causes non-melanoma skin cancer and plays a major role in malignant melanoma development. It also damages plants and marine life, reducing revenues in agriculture and fisheries.

UVA is diffused and reflected to some extent by water vapor, ice crystals and other particles in the atmosphere, but its proportion in the sunlight that reaches the surface has not been altered substantially by human impacts.

Ultraviolet light has been used for decades to disinfect objects; rooms; and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. UVC is particularly suitable for that purpose because it disrupts the genetic code of microbes and viruses. Around 222 nm, it barely penetrates the outermost layers of human skin.

CAUTION — During the COVID-19 pandemic many vendors started offering ultraviolet lamp devices to consumers for use at home. Presently there is no certification standard for the safety and effectiveness of such devices. Even when used properly, invisible UV rays may unexpectedly get reflected by a mirror, metal or glass object and focus a beam at an eye. Users risk inadvertent, delayed and permanent harm, including severe burns or eye injury to themselves, children and pets. This has prompted the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEEMA), the American Lighting Association and the United Laboratories (UL) to issue a Warning: Consumers currently have no assurance against the risks of UVC over-exposure from consumer oriented UVC devices that do not provide proper containment of the UVC emissions. When used improperly, these types of devices may present an undue health risk. If you have already purchased such a device or believe you must buy one, watch this 7-minute video and watch Dr. Brenners presentation to learn about all the research that has already gone into discovery and verification of the best wavelengths, energy levels, and durations of exposure needed to obtain the desired outcomes and what further must be done to develop safe, reliable and affordable technologies to deliver the expected results at scale.

Dr. Brenner directs the Center for Radiological Research, which is now more than 100 years old. He started his career in theoretical physics — applying quantum mechanics to radiation therapy.

He focuses his work on special UVC lamps for interior spaces to destroy viruses without human injury. Some experts have noted that present prices of such lamps is about $500 each; a cost that would likely decrease if the lamps were mass produced.

His presentation is an opportunity to stimulate regional interest in developing advanced manufacturing technologies to rapidly lower production costs to about $15 per lamp. Market demand for 222 nm lighting devices could reach $24.2 billion by 2025, according to one estimate, with prospects of major R&D funding from government and private companies.

Dr. Brenner thinks, “the market is many-fold: Initially for hospitals, in operating rooms for irradiating above incisions during surgery to reduce surgical site infection rates. For public locations such as schools, hospitals, doctors offices, airports, airplanes and the food preparation industry, to reduce airborne transmission of viruses including influenza and measles, and bacteria such as TB.”

* Virtual event hosted by the Foundation for Global Sustainability (FGS).
FGS facilitates educational events to inform the public and foster better understanding of complex environmental, social and economic issues that impact the resilience of communities and the natural life support systems of planet Earth. Views and opinions expressed by event organizers and participants do not necessarily reflect the views of FGS. FGS neither endorses any product or service mentioned nor warrants for accuracy, completeness or usability of the information.

Illustrations courtesy of Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University and its associated Radiological Research Accelerator Facility

Richard H “Chip” Lagdon Jr.

Monday, September 13, 2021

Zoom Webinar **

For the recording of the presentation, go to the

TSK Channel on YouTube

Mr. Lagdon is Professor of Practice in Nuclear Engineering at UT. He also is Engineering Manager, Systems Integration and Chief Engineer, Nuclear Operations & Safety with Bechtel.

He will review the status of current projects for Natrium and VTR fast reactors, the challenges of advanced reactor licensing and how the development of the Nuclear Licensing Course NE486/586 at UT reckons with these challenges.

Mr. Lagdon has forty years of progressive nuclear experience managing projects, developing technical policy, interfacing with stakeholders and developing long range plans. He is an accomplished nuclear professional, practiced in engineering, emergency operations, plant startups and conduct of operations while supporting operational goals.

He possesses superior leadership skills, experienced in leading multi-functional startup and project review teams that help meet mission objectives and establish critical priorities. He is a problem solver, noted for finding solutions to difficult technical and regulatory issues. He is an accomplished speaker and author with excellent interpersonal and communications skills, having conducted briefings for regulators, congressional staffs and public groups.

From working as Shift Test Engineer for the reactors of the nuclear Navy to developing life cycle maintenance plans for aircraft carriers, Captain Lagdon’s broad range of assignments over 30 years in the Navy Reserves, earned him the Leo Bilger award for outstanding leadership. The civilian side of his career included a decade as Chief of Nuclear Safety in the U.S. Department of Energy, where he lead nuclear construction reviews for projects totaling more than $15 billion.

* This webinar was offered as a professional development hour for Tennessee licensed engineers. Please note that PDH certificatees cannot be issues for viewing the recording of a webinar. 

** Webinar hosted by the Foundation for Global Sustainability (FGS).
FGS facilitates educational events to inform the public and foster better understanding of complex environmental, social and economic issues that impact the resilience of communities and the natural life support systems of planet Earth. Views and opinions expressed by event organizers and participants do not necessarily reflect the views of FGS. FGS neither endorses any product or service mentioned nor warrants for accuracy, completeness or usability of the information.

Dr. Phillip Snyder

Burning Plasma Foundations Section

Fusion Energy Division

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Monday, August 9, 2021

Dr. Snyder is the Section Head of Burning Plasma Foundations in the Fusion Energy Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

He earned his PhD in Plasma Physics at Princeton University and is a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

He received the Rosenbluth Award for Fusion Theory (2004), the APS Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research (2013) and the Nuclear Fusion Award (2014). He has recently served on two National Academies panels developing fusion strategy. 

David Carver

Sevier County, TN  Stormwater Management Authority

Monday, July 12, 2021

Hybrid (in-person and Zoom) meeting

David Carver is a former police officer who joined the Stormwater Authority 15 years ago. His educational background includes: Associate Degree in Criminal Justice- Walter State Community College, FBI trained in Law Enforcement Executives Development School, Interview and Interrogation Crisis Negotiation, Instructor Development School. Masters Degree from West End Baptist Bible College, Easley SC.

Law Enforcement Instructor in Firearms, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Building Searches, Self Defense Tactics, Patrol Tactics, Field Training Officer Program.

His Stormwater Instructor experience includes Tennessee Water Well Association, Tennessee Stormwater Association (TNSA) Annual Conference, TNSA Knoxville–Knox County Development Symposium, TNSA Board and Regional Meeting guest speaker where he has spoken on a variety of subjects including Stormwater Education, Spill Prevention and Good Housekeeping, Enforcement Policies and Procedures, Plans Review, Soils and Geology, Erosion Controls for Well Drillers, Planning Commission Stormwater Training, Appeals Board Training, Public Works and Stormwater, as well as Demolition workshops for Contracts and Disaster Recovery.

He served as Co-Chair of TNSA Education and Professional Development for six years and is Current Chairman of East Tennessee Region of TNSA for the past three years. He is married and has two children, Issac and Hannah.

John Gertsen

Manager

Uranium Transformation & Uranium Processing Facility (UPF)

Operators’ Representative for Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC.

John is responsible for the management and operation of the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas and the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He  is responsible for long-term strategies, risk reduction, process relocations and facilities investments. He also serves as the senior representative of the production plant user of UPF at Y-12.

ZOOM meeting

The Technical Society of Knoxville is a group of persons interested in technology and science — including their effects on society, especially in East Tennessee.

The Society was founded in 1921 by Charles Edward Ferris, first dean of the University of Tennessee’s College of Engineering, and a group of leading members of the community.

The hallmark of the Technical Society is its Monday Luncheon meeting.

Usually the society meets on the second Monday of each month.

The program features a speaker on a subject of technical, scientific or general interest.

Records indicate that more than 4,000 luncheon meetings have been held over the past 100 years.

The presentations are planned to be informative and educational. They provide person to person contact with experts in the field.

Meetings take place at the Crowne Plaza on Summit Hill Drive in downtown Knoxville.

Guests are welcome.

Meeting attendees receive a token for exiting the garage without charge after the meeting.

Members and guests begin arriving around 11:30 a.m. and go through the buffet line.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of the week preceding the meeting.

Cost is $15 per person payable in cash or by check in the meeting room to the designated collector.

Included in the meal price is complimentary self parking in the hotel garage.

Guests who choose not to eat pay a charge of $7 for parking and room arrangements.

Meetings are called to order at 11:55 a.m.

After a brief transaction of Society business, the guest speaker is introduced. Normally, presentations take about 50 minutes. Time is usually available for questions from the audience. The meetings are adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Some programs are scheduled as professional development hours (PDH).

These meet the State of Tennessee’s continuing education requirements for professional engineers. A PDH consists of at least 50 minutes of prepared presentation with discussion reserved for the time after the meeting.

The Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineer Examiners does not pre-approve such hours. TSK does not guarantee approval, but strictly meets the Board-specified requirements and issues a certificate of attendance. 

For more information contact the secretary, Wayne Loveday, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 865-679-9854.

Register now for TSK’s Centennial Celebration

The Technical Society of Knoxville was founded in 1921. It has met over 4,000 times to discuss the application of technology from early Knoxville’s coal smoke and traffic problems to present Knoxville’s transportation air pollution and the impact of electric car technologies. 

What was it like back then? 

Join us to observe TSK’s 100th anniversary on June 14, 2021 at the Crowne Plaza.

The Keynote Speaker will be Jack Neely.

Jack Neely grew up in a family of engineers; his father and grandfather, both named John Neely, were members of the Technical Society of Knoxville.

Jack became known for his historical research, especially through his column “Secret History” in Metro Pulse and “The Scruffy Citizen” in the Knoxville Mercury.

He has published about a dozen books, large and small, including the official history of the Tennessee Theatre, a 350-page narrative about the history of the Old City area, Market Square: A History of the Most Democratic Place on Earth, and most recently, Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide and Historic Bearden.

For the last six years he has been executive director of the nonprofit Knoxville History Project.

Title: The Turning Point

Things were never the same after 1921, when technology was changing the city in several surprising ways. TSK was there, at a dramatic moment.

Reservation deadline is June 8, 2021.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

MONDAY, June 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

(social and cash bar 5:30 p.m.)