Why use germicidal (UV-C) ultraviolet light in the sanitizing process?

What are the beneficial uses of germicidal UV-C ultraviolet light? Ultraviolet technology is a non-chemical approach to disinfection. In this method of disinfection, nothing is added which makes this process simple, inexpensive and requires very low maintenance. Hygienitech’s Ultraviolet purifier utilizes a powerful germicidal lamp that is designed and calculated to produce a certain dosage of ultraviolet (16,000 microwatt seconds per square centimeter).

WHY USE UV-C LIGHT TO DISINFECT?

UV-C light’s wavelengths are between 200 and 300 nanometers, making them germicidal – meaning they are capable of inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. This quality makes UV-C light an effective, environmentally-friendly and chemical-free way to remove and reduce dangerous microorganisms in any environment.

HOW DOES UV-C DESTROY GERMS?

The high energy from short wavelength UV-C light is absorbed in the cellular RNA and DNA, damaging nucleic acids and preventing microorganisms from infecting and reproducing. This absorption of UV-C energy forms new bonds between nucleotides, creating double bonds or “dimers.” Dimerization of molecules, particularly thymine, is the most common type of damage incurred by UV-C light in microorganisms. Formation of thymine dimers in the DNA of bacteria and viruses prevents replication and inability to infect.