WHAT IS UV-C GERMICIDAL DISINFECTION / STERILIZATION?

Germicidal UV, or UV-C, is a particular spectrum of ultraviolet light (UV). UV energy occurs naturally from the sunlight or can be generated artificially in light fixtures and bulbs.

Although it is commonly called "UV light," ultraviolet wavelengths fall just outside of the visible light spectrum. Instead of light, UV is scientifically called radiant energy.

UV wavelengths can range anywhere from 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nanometers (nm). Germicidal UV utilizes the wavelengths between 200 to 280 nm. Far-UV-C also falls within germicidal UV, but uses a smaller segment of wavelengths

HOW DOES UV-C LIGHT ACTUALLY DESTROY VIRUS AND BACTERIA?

An Rammelsberg, a chemistry professor at Millikin Univiersity, offers this explanation:

"Ultraviolet (UV) light kills cells by damaging their DNA. The light initiates a reaction between two molecules of thymine, one of the bases that make up DNA. The resulting thymine dimer is very stable, but repair of this kind of DNA damage -- usually by excising or removing the two bases and filling in the gaps with new nucleotides--is fairly efficient. Even so, it breaks down when the damage is extensive."

This damage to the basic building blocks of DNA, ultimately destroys the Viral and Bacterial cells and renders them unable to cause infection.

WHY USE UV-C DISINFECTION IN YOUR FACILITY?

UV-C irradiation is an effective way to disinfect water, air and surfaces without adding or creating toxic effects. It is a natural principle and the radiation from the sun is an important factor in keeping the environment clean. Dose and efficiency of artificial UV-C irradiation has been greatly increased in relation to the sun’s irradiation but provides an environmentally friendly solution to your disinfection needs.

UV-C radiation of the microorganisms is completely independent of pH, temperature or whether they are in solid, liquid or airborne form. The most important thing is that the light can hit the organism and if the bacteria is hidden from the light, it can avoid irradiation.

The UV light can be used as the only disinfectant solution, but also works very well as a supplement to other techniques.