UV sterilization apparatus, system, and method for forced-air patient heating systems

An air treatment system comprising:

• an air intake area comprising an opening and a filter assembly;
• a fan configured to generate an airflow of filtered air;
• and
• a sanitizing chamber configured to expose the airflow to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, wherein the sanitizing chamber includes:
• a sterilization region comprising an array of ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs);
• and
• a UV light reflective inner surface that provides diffuse reflection, wherein:
• the sanitizing chamber has a cross-sectional area within a range of 1 to 1.5 inches;
• and
• a ratio of a total length of the sanitizing chamber to the cross-sectional area is at least 25 such that an amount of incident UV radiation escaping from an exit end of the sanitizing chamber is less than 1 mW/m2, wherein the airflow is output from the sanitizing chamber at the exit end.