A disinfecting apparatus may include a shelf securable to a wall; a mount configured to secure the shelf to the wall; at least one UV light source coupled to the shelf, the UV light being configured to sanitize air and surfaces in close proximity to the UV light source; and a programmable controller being operatively coupled to the motion detector, the controller being configured to cause cause at least one of energization and de-energization of the UV light source upon a predetermined event. A method of safely disinfecting or sterilizing air and surfaces may include the apparatus and may further provide UV light in the range of 250-290 nm and interruption of the generation of UV light in response to the predetermined event.