Why Is Ultraviolet Light Used For Sterilization

The success of uv germicidal disinfection systems lies in the technology used in these systems.

Why is ultraviolet light used for sterilization. As for the uv wands meant to be used on desks keyboards and other surfaces. 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. 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. It s the wild west he says.

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. With advancements in technology and specifically in the uv bulbs themselves its reliable long lifespan thousands of hours and smaller size e g. Uv light has been used for sterilization and disinfection as early as the mid 20th century.

Uvgi is used in a variety of applications such as food air and water purification. 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. Today uv light technology is the preferred choice for sterilization in numerous industrial applications because of its effectiveness affordability and most importantly its safety. Ultraviolet light sterilization utilizes the high energy nature of uv light.

Uv light may be used to disinfect surfaces in a setting where uv light does not escape to the surroundings. Why people use ultraviolet light sterilization. If products generating uv light do not shield the user from exposure they pose a. Nardell says the light they emit generally isn t strong enough to have an impact.