How Ultraviolet Light Is Used In Disinfection And Sanitation

Ultraviolet disinfection is a method of disinfection that uses short wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to render microorganisms inactive or kill them by modifying their DNA. This method damages the nucleic acids of microorganisms to shut down their vital cell functions.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), as it is better known, is used in different industries for the purification of water, food and air. UVGI devices produce strong UV-C light, which makes the environment in which they are used inhospitable for viruses, molds, bacteria, etc.

Ultraviolet rays have been used as an effective and efficient method of disinfection since the mid-20th century. It was mainly used in the medical sector for sanitation and sterilization of medical facilities.

How ultraviolet is used for disinfection

UVGI has various applications and uses in many industries. Some of which include; disinfection or air purification, water disinfection, surface disinfection, etc.

Air disinfection

UVGI can be used for disinfection and air purification. The air in a particular environment can be purified with ultraviolet light through prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

Experiments in the 1930s and 1940s in Philadelphia public schools showed that measles transmission can be reduced among students through air disinfection. Researchers are also studying how to use UVGI to counter COVID-19.

Ultraviolet light disinfection is simply a matter of intensity and time. This is why UV light may not be as effective at disinfecting moving air.

However, UVGI may be more effective at air disinfection if used with an HVAC system to expose more air to the UV source.

Water disinfection

UV lamps can be used for water disinfection and even sewage treatment. UV water disinfection is a completely chemical-free disinfection process as it only involves exposure of the water to ultraviolet rays. The method does not involve adding chemicals to the water, so it can be very safe and effective in disinfecting the water.

Ultraviolet light is very effective against organisms like Giardia or cryptosporidium, which are resistant to chemical disinfectants. UV is also used to remove chlorine and chloramine from water with a process called photolysis.

The Catskill Delaware Water Ultraviolet Disinfection Center in New York City is an example of a water disinfection facility. The facility is the world’s largest water disinfection plant with up to 2.2 billion US gallons of water treated to be potable each day.

Ultraviolet disinfectants for shoes

You should already know that shoes generally provide an ideal breeding space for microorganisms that can cause infections like athlete’s foot etc. These organisms can lead to smelly feet and other fungal or bacterial infections etc.

Ultraviolet shoe disinfectants are effective and efficient gadgets for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing shoes. These gadgets kill the microorganisms that can cause smelly feet and other unwanted foot conditions by using UV light. Research shows that ultraviolet shoe disinfectants can kill and neutralize harmful and pathogenic microorganisms in shoe soles by 99%.

Safety tips: UV light can be very dangerous if not used correctly and with care. UV light can easily damage the skin or eyes. Always avoid direct contact with eyes or skin when using UV light shoe sanitizer. So make sure the UV shoe sanitizer is in the shoe when the light is on.

Disinfection of surfaces / equipment

When disinfecting surfaces, UV light is exposed to the surfaces of materials, objects, etc., to kill microorganisms that exist on that surface. This is popular in the healthcare industry and even in other industries for disinfecting surfaces of equipment, facilities, etc.

UV disinfection is very effective and efficient than most other cleaning and disinfection methods.

UV disinfection leaves no residue or moisture on surfaces that can damage disinfected equipment such as washing or bleaching.

Food and drink disinfection

We already know that UV light is effective for disinfecting surfaces and water or liquids. Thus, the use of UV light in food and beverage disinfection is simply the combination of surface disinfection and water / liquid disinfection.

UV light is effective in disinfecting materials used in food and beverage factories which may be difficult to thoroughly clean using other cleaning methods. For example, conveyor belts can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with ultraviolet light without shortening the life of the equipment.

There are several brands and models of UV shoe sanitizers to choose from in the market. It is best to go for the types or models that come with a bag so that you can put the shoe in the bag while sanitizing. You should also consider getting a UV shoe sanitizer model that has an auto shut-off feature.