Why Is Ultraviolet Light Used For Sterilization

Uv light has been used for sterilization and disinfection as early as the mid 20th century.

Why is ultraviolet light used for sterilization.

Uv light comes primarily from the sun but there are also man made sources of uv light including tanning beds and the currently buzzed about uv disinfection lamps. If products generating uv light do not shield the user from exposure they pose a. Uv light is a disinfection method that inactivates microorganisms by a physical process rather than using harmful chemicals and thereby does not produce corrosive materials or disinfection by products dbps. Ultraviolet uv is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm with a corresponding frequency of approximately 30 phz to 400 nm 750 thz shorter than that of visible light but longer than x rays uv radiation is present in sunlight and constitutes about 10 of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the sun it is also produced by electric arcs and specialized.

With advancements in technology and specifically in the uv bulbs themselves its reliable long lifespan thousands of hours and smaller size e g. The success of uv germicidal disinfection systems lies in the technology used in these systems. While uv disinfection has been in practice since years the concept has caught more traction since the coronavirus pandemic. A quick primer on uv light.

Nardell says the light they emit generally isn t strong enough to have an impact. Today uv light technology is the preferred choice for sterilization in numerous industrial applications because of its effectiveness affordability and most importantly its safety. It s the wild west he says. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation uvgi is a disinfection method that uses short wavelength ultraviolet ultraviolet c or uv c light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their dna leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

Ultraviolet light sterilization utilizes the high energy nature of uv light. Uvgi is used in a variety of applications such as food air and water purification. Since the finding in 1878 artificially produced uvc has become a staple method of sterilisation one used in hospitals airplanes offices and factories every day. As for the uv wands meant to be used on desks keyboards and other surfaces.