How Does UV Disinfection Work?
UV disinfection is a proven sanitization solution for schools, workplaces, offices, and homes. UV disinfecting lamps and setups can eliminate up to 99.9% of germs and viruses. But how exactly does UV work and can UV effectively disinfect surfaces and spaces? Here's an overview of how ultraviolet disinfection works and its efficacy in space and surface sanitization.
WHAT IS UV DISINFECTION?
UV (ultraviolet) is a form of electromagnetic radiation naturally produced by the sun. It's also artificially made using special lamps. There are three main types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA contains the lowest energy and has been linked to skin aging, while UVB has slightly higher energy than UVA and can cause sunburn.
High-energy UVC is the radiation used in disinfection. UVC from the sun is blocked by the earth’s atmosphere and packs the highest energy. According to the FDA, UVC radiation can disinfect the air, water, and non-porous surfaces. UVC has been used for decades to reduce the spread of tuberculosis and other bacterial diseases.
HOW ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION WORKS
Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate membranes and cells to affect the internal compositions of molecules and DNA of microorganisms. The UV disinfecting lamps produce high-energy UVC radiation that targets the protein and genetic material in pathogens. When exposed to UV, the cross-linking process of DNAs and RNAs speeds up, reducing the pathogen’s ability to achieve healthy replication.
UV light is absorbed by the DNA in viruses and bacteria, resulting in structural damage. The pathogen's living cells become inactive and rendered incapable of performing the normal activities required for sustenance.
UV can eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and some parasites within seconds of exposure (depending on intensity and distance).
UV disinfecting lamps and setups are for a wide range of applications. Some disinfect surfaces and spaces, while others are for liquids. All configurations emit UVC light which inactivates pathogens and results in disinfection. Some UV lamps are broad spectrum and also emit UVA and/or UVB wavelengths which are also known to have antibacterial properties. UV lamps can disinfect computers, keyboards, desks, walls, floors, cell phones, and other equipment, as well as germs that are present in the air.
You'll encounter various UV sanitizers, including wands, cases, and whole room solutions, such as the pulsed Xenon products from Violet Defense. A wand UV lamp is portable, but is only ideal for very small objects such as cell phones or door handles. Cases are perfect for smaller items like cell phones and desktop items. Pulsed Xenon setups can be deployed via mobile stands or be installed to provide autonomous sanitization in unoccupied rooms.
COMPONENTS OF ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION
Each UV disinfecting system is unique and bears various components designed for the application. A water disinfecting unit will feature parts that may not be present in a small portable wand. Most UV lamps feature these essential components: chamber, lamp, lamp glass or sleeve, and control unit.
1. UV CHAMBER
Refers to the reactor featured in setups designed for water treatment. The chamber is a closed system housing the lamps and other components. Surface and air disinfection systems do not require an enclosed system, but should have appropriate safety measures, such as motion sensors to prevent inadvertent exposure to the UV light.
2. UV LAMPS
The UV lamps emit germicidal UVC wavelengths and are the system's main component. Manufacturers provide different UV lamps with the most common types being low-pressure mercury bulbs or pulsed Xenon.
3. LAMP GLASS OR SLEEVE
The UV lamps are frequently protected by an enclosure or sleeve made using tough quartz glass. You can also find smooth glass designs for better UVC transmission, but such glasses fade over time, requiring replacement. Violet Defense uses an ultraviolet transmissive lens material that will not foul or degrade over time to extend the life of its product and remove maintenance requirements.
4. CONTROL UNIT
The control unit is also known as the ballast or electrical cabinet. It's the central electrical unit powering the lamps to emit germicidal UV radiation. The UV light intensity and efficacy vary depending on the power coming from the control unit. Some also feature timers and alarms to let you know if the system is working correctly.
IS ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION EFFECTIVE?
UV disinfecting setups for residential and office sanitization may be new, but the technology has existed for years. Hospitals, water treatment facilities, and specific industries such as the food production sector have used UV for years to disinfect surfaces, spaces, and liquids. Industrial systems are more powerful than lamps designed for personal and domestic use, but they all use the power of UV to defend against viruses, bacteria, and pathogenic microbes. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s guidelines, particularly around time and distance.
For ultraviolet light to be germicidal, the radiation should offer 200nm to about 300nm wavelengths. The powerful radiation penetrates the pathogens and is absorbed by the genetic material where it will damage the existing structures and survival mechanisms. UV disinfection is reliable in eliminating pathogens and comes with many other benefits. Wavelengths from 300nm to 400nm have also been shown to have antibacterial properties.
ADVANTAGES OF ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION
There are many benefits of ultraviolet disinfection systems compared to conventional chemical bleaches and detergents. UV systems offer long-term cost-effectiveness and few risks. Some of the top merits of choosing UV setups include:
• High Efficiency: UV light can eliminate up to 99.9% of pathogenic microbes, including E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, C. diff., Norovirus, C. auris, and coronavirus.
• Versatile: There are various setups, including portable wands, cases, and whole room systems. Violet Defense offers the only known Pulsed Xenon technology system that can be installed for full-time use. You can find the best solution for your home, office, surfaces, spaces, air, water treatment, and more.
• No Immunity: Antibacterial solutions and chemicals can result in immunity, which isn’t a concern with UV setups. No pathogens have grown immune to powerful ultraviolet radiation, so the same setup will work long-term.
• Cost-Effective: Once you invest in a UV disinfecting lamp, you can use the same system for many years with minimal maintenance. UV effectively eliminates labor costs, and no recurring expenses are involved.
• Non-Toxic: No bleach or harsh chemical agents are used in a UV sanitization setup. UV can be deployed safely with proper controls and is also good for the environment. The setup also works autonomously to disinfect unoccupied spaces.
REPUTABLE UV DISINFECTION LAMPS
At Violet Defense, we leverage the power of ultraviolet and violet-blue radiation to eliminate harmful pathogens and viruses in your home and everyday spaces. Our Pulsed Xenon solution is the only setup you can install that provides easy, automated disinfection when you aren't around. It effectively eliminates up to 99.9% of E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, C. diff., Norovirus, C. auris, and coronavirus works in all types of settings.