UV-C
UV-C Specialists
Germicidal Projects SA has been proudly providing high quality products and services to our client's since 2019. What differentiates us from other businesses is our ability to truly connect with our customers, and provide the exceptional, compassionate service they deserve. To learn more, simply browse through our site.
How do UV-C Air & Surface Disinfection Models Work?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , poor indoor air quality can have a negative impact on human health. Since the concentrations of some indoor pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations, taking measures to improve air quality is important. One method of doing so involves UV-C air and surface disinfection models, which use germicidal ultraviolet light to deactivate harmful pathogens. The 3 questions answered below will help you understand germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) light and how it works.
First, is what is ultraviolet?
The answer is that ultraviolet light is part of the light spectrum, which is classified into three wavelength ranges: UV-C, from 100 nanometers (nm) to 280 nm; UV-B, from 280 nm to 315 nm; and UV-A, from 315 nm to 400 nm. The UV-C wavelengths that range from 100 nm to 280 nm are germicidal.
Secondly, how does germicidal ultraviolet light purify air and surfaces?
Germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) light deactivates the DNA of bacteria, virus, and other pathogens — destroying their ability to multiply and cause disease. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevents the DNA from being unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable to reproduce.
Finally, how do UV-C air and surface disinfection models work?
UV-C Air and Surface Disinfection models contain one or more germicidal ultraviolet lamps. Germicidal lamps are short-wave, low-pressure tubes that produce ultraviolet wavelengths lethal to microorganisms. Approximately 95% of the ultraviolet energy emitted is at 254 nanometers. This wavelength is in the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness and is highly lethal to virus, bacteria, and mold spores. As the air passes through the UV-C purifier chamber or the surface is exposed to germicidal UV light, the genetic material of microorganisms is deactivated, preventing them from reproducing and rendering them harmless.
How Germicidal UV (UVC) Eradicates Germs
Germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) 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. UV light at this wavelength (shortwave UV or UVC) causes adjacent thymine molecules on DNA to dimerize. The resulting thymine dimer is very stable. If enough
of these defects accumulate on a microorganism's DNA its replication is inhibited, thereby rendering it harmless. Ultraviolet photons harm the DNA molecules of living organisms in different ways. In one common damage event, adjacent bases bond with each other, instead of across the "ladder". This makes a bulge, and the distorted DNA molecule does not function properly. The longer the exposure to UVC light, the more thymine dimers are formed in the DNA. If cellular processes are disrupted because of DNA damage, the cell cannot carry out its normal functions. The LIGHT SPECTRUM ranges from the infrared at wavelengths longer than visible light to the ultraviolet at wavelengths shorter than visible light. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength shorter than that of the visible region.
Indoor Air Quality - IAQ, UV And People's Health
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10% of all colds are caught outdoors, 90% are caught indoors! We've all watched helplessly as a cold virus passed from one member of the family to another. Perhaps you suffer from asthma or allergies and despite desperate attempts to dust more, keep the windows closed, clean your bedding, clothing, carpeting and furniture more frequently, your symptoms still persist. The EPA states that indoor air can be up to 70 times more polluted than the outdoor environment. One reason for this is that the HVAC (HVAC stands for High-voltage alternating current) duct work is full of airborne germs, their particles and by products. These microbes are alive and thriving inside the furnace or air conditioning systems. The airborne germs adversely affect the air quality as they are blown past the furnace or air conditioning filter and circulated throughout the buildings.In-duct and upper air UV air cleaners can be utilized to disinfect indoor air.
