UV facts
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Ultraviolet light with wavelength shorter
than 300 nanometers is extremely effective in killing microorganisms. The
most effective sterilizing range of UV is within the C bandwidth (UVC -
253.7nm). This range is called the germicidal bandwidth. UVC, is not
known to cause cancer or severe sunburns. It does not penetrate past dead
cell layers of the skin, but it may cause eye irritations or burns after
prolonged exposure. The links below offer detailed information on
the nature of the ultraviolet light, science research, facts and
conclusions for its effectiveness. Most
importantly, the UV light can be utilized to improve the indoor air quality
and introduce a healthier environment to live, work or study.
 The science behind the UV light
Indoor Air Quality and people's health
Indoor Air Pollution - air pollutants
How UV light kills germs
UV Dosage - Ultraviolet sterilization dosage for mold,
viruses, bacteria, protozoa and yeast
UV light references
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It was established that the ultraviolet component of the solar spectrum was
effective in killing off a number of microorganisms. These included cholera,
dysentery, small pox, the plague and tuberculosis.
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UV for Clean Water |
| Scientists at Tel Aviv
University have determined that ultraviolet (UV) light may be a
better solution to keeping tap water clean than the chlorine
traditionally used by water treatment facilities. The
researchers found that UV wavelengths between 254 and 270
nanometers effectively cleaned the water and helped keep
membranes in desalination plants clear of bacterial build-up.
According to Anat Lakretz, a doctoral student, "The best way to
control and kill these micro-organisms was to damage their DNA.
The damage that the UV light causes has no known negative effect
on the water." The UV light approach works even better against
parasites that aren't killed with chlorine treatment, such as
Giarrdia and Cryptosporidium, two parasites that can cause
severe diarrhea and can lead to death. Children, the elderly and
those in developing nations are particularly vulnerable to these
parasites. Lakretz says "Sewage leakage into water supplies
poses a big problem in terms of bacterial contamination, and is
something UV light could remediate." Small amounts of chlorine
would still be needed, but overall this new method would
significantly reduce the amount of carcinogenic by-products from
chlorine and make water treatment more efficient and cost
effective. |
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