Since the Covid-19 virus has been making its way through the world, it is becoming apparent that many things will change. Especially all those situations in which large numbers of people move around in a confined space. Work, school, restaurants – just to name a few. They will all have to get used to new rules of conduct. In addition, there will be improved hygiene measures that will guarantee a solution in the long run. Because it is doubtful whether compulsory masks can be established for years in a society where there are secret elections and lots of parties that are against them. One of the technical possibilities is UV-C disinfection. That is, the elimination of germs with ultraviolet radiation. We show how it works and whether it is suitable as a solution.
UV-C light – what is it?
As is well known, the sun sends ultraviolet radiation to the earth. UV-A and UV-B are usually written on the sunscreen. UV-C is not found there. However, the reason for this is not that it is harmless. It’s just that UV-C is almost completely absorbed by the earth. Actually, it would be much more harmful. The shorter the wavelength, the greater the exposure for humans. At 280-100 nanometres, UVC is the shortest-wave UV light of all.
Why can UV-C light disinfect?
When UV radiation was discovered and examined more closely, it was found that it attacks the genetic information of organisms. This can kill them or prevent their growth. New research shows that it also neutralises the coronavirus. As a result, mankind began to use this type of light for disinfection decades ago. UVC light was ideal for illuminating toilet seats in toilets, for example. Such hygiene solutions were common in the past. There were also quickly numerous applications in the medical field. Here in the video you can see more details:
What are the advantages of UVC disinfection?
The advantage of this method was obvious. With such radiation, surfaces of all kinds could be kept hygienically clean without contact and, above all, without the constant supply of toxic chemicals.
What should one pay attention to with UVC disinfection?
It is important that the devices are never used in such a way that people are exposed to direct radiation. Reputable manufacturers build in numerous protective mechanisms for this purpose. A danger mainly comes from producers who develop their products far away from European legislation. Importing them is a risk. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to safety seals. The bottom line is that UV-C disinfection is a very safe method to reliably kill germs.
What types of UV-C disinfection are there?
In practice, a wide variety of different types of devices have proven their worth. Some of the most common are:
UV-C air filters that are attached to the ceiling. They suck in air and aerosols, kill the germs and let clean air out again.
UV-C lamps are placed on surfaces and illuminate them for a long time.
UVC boxes are closed containers in which objects are cleaned with the light.
Important with all of them: Never shine the light directly on the skin. Otherwise, damage could result.