UV Disinfection Eliminates Germs Chlorine Doesn’t

We’ve been hearing a lot about UV disinfection and the many uses for disinfecting air, water, and surfaces, but do you know that UV radiation can eliminate germs that chlorine does not? Ultraviolet (UV) germicidal radiation is a popular method of disinfection in many water and air purification systems, due to its highly effective disinfection properties and the many health and safety benefits. UV disinfection is fast, effective, and completely safe, providing many advantages over other methods of water disinfection such as chlorination.

In addition to the many benefits of UV disinfection systems, UV light has been proven to eradicate an extensive list of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. One key advantage that UV purification systems offer over chlorine-based disinfection methods is the effectiveness of eliminating protozoa such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia which can be chlorine resistant. UV germicidal disinfection has proven to be highly effective at eradicating these parasites from water supplies to prevent widespread intestinal illnesses.

How Does UV Disinfection Work?

UV disinfection works by short-wave UV light causing a physical reaction to the RNA and DNA of cells in microorganisms which renders them incapable of reproducing and infecting. UV light is invisible to the human eye, falling in between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. UV light is emitted by the sun, although most is absorbed by the ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere.

UV light is measured in wavelengths referred to as nanometers (nm), which is a billionth of a meter. UV emissions in the UVB and UVC range of 200 to 300 nm are considered germicidal, which means they are effective at inactivating microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. UVC lamps are used in disinfection applications worldwide, providing effective, safe, and environmentally friendly disinfection without the use of chemicals and harmful byproducts.

Effectiveness of UV Disinfection

UV disinfection has been proven to be highly effective with instant disinfection of pathogenic organisms such as those that cause hepatitis, cholera, typhoid, polio, and viral, intestinal parasitic diseases. UV light provides advantages over disinfection with chlorine with its ability to destroy parasites that threaten public health such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Wastewater treatment facilities utilizing chlorine disinfection systems run the risk of releasing these dangerous organisms into rivers and lakes which may threaten public health if the same water supply is also the source of drinking water. UV disinfection used in drinking water plants helps to eradicate parasites and protozoa resistant to chlorine treatment.

Safety Advantages of UV Disinfection

• UV disinfection provides many benefits over other treatment methods, which include the following:UV light is chemical-free and does not add any harmful or carcinogenic byproducts to water, air or the surface treated.

• UV disinfection systems eliminate the need to purchase, handle, store and dispose of corrosive or toxic chemicals, providing environmental benefits to the treatment plant and the community

• UV light is proven to be extremely effective at eradicating a wide range of harmful microorganisms including pathogens resistant to chlorine treatment

• UV radiation may be combined with hydrogen peroxide to destroy toxic chemicals while simultaneously providing effective disinfection

It is clear to see why UV light is a popular method of disinfecting water, air, and surfaces. Working with an experienced UVC lamp provider will ensure high-quality germicidal effectiveness for your application.

LightSources Offers UV Disinfection Lamps

LightSources and our valued partners are recognized for providing high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps which are proven effective across a wide range of applications. We design, engineer, and manufacture UVC germicidal lamps for effective disinfection of water, air, and surfaces. Our specialty UVC lamps are found in applications worldwide, leading the industry with first-to-market, energy-efficient germicidal solutions.

Our UVC lamps are utilized in water disinfection applications such as:

• Wastewater treatment plants
• Drinking water treatment plants
• Water reclamation
• Aquaculture
• Ballast water treatment systems

Our UVC lamps contribute to these and many other water disinfection applications, as well as air treatment systems and various disinfection applications. We provide a wide selection of standard UVC lamps as well as offering custom-designed solutions to meet your specifications. Our standard selection includes Low-Pressure UV disinfection lamps, Low Pressure Amalgam UVC lamps, Medium Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps, electronic ballasts and quartz sleeves.

UV Light Kills Bacteria in Air Treatment Systems

UV light kills bacteria in many disinfection and purification systems, providing clean air and water to a multitude of applications. When ultraviolet (UV) light is emitted at the wavelength of 254 nanometers (nm), the UVC radiation is instantly effective at eradicating all harmful contaminants and microorganisms. UVC radiation at 254nm instantly penetrates the cells of these microscopic invaders within seconds of exposure, damaging the nuclei of the cells to render them harmless.

UV light kills bacteria, viruses, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fungi, mold spores, mildew, and other harmful contaminants in surface, water, and air treatment systems. UV germicidal lamps provide clean and safe air in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. People can enjoy clean and safe air free from harmful bacteria in their home while many businesses provide clean air in their establishments to maintain a healthy environment for their employees and the public.

It is important to provide clean air free from harmful viruses and bacteria in many commercial settings such as medical facilities, doctor offices, schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Patients with a compromised immune system are at an increased risk of contracting illness through airborne germs. A UV light air treatment system promotes health and wellness and prevents the spread of disease.

Benefits of Air Treatment Systems with UV Light to Kill Bacteria and Viruses

Many industrial settings also provide the benefits of UVC air purification to provide a healthier workplace for their employees and visitors and to comply with strict air quality codes and regulations. Many industrial applications such as rubber, plastic manufacturing, and woodworking facilities produce toxic chemicals in their production processes. UV light kills these toxic airborne compounds and protects the public with safer and cleaner air.

While the health benefits are clear, breathing cleaner air into our lungs improves wellness and protects against disease, there are other benefits as well. UV light air purification systems are completely safe, with no harmful chemicals or byproducts. UV lamps in HVAC systems provide long-lasting improvements in air quality with very little to no maintenance required. Keeping your HVAC and air ducts free from mold, mildew, and contaminants provides added protection to your HVAC equipment for longer-lasting, smooth operation.

Working with a UV lamp supplier with extensive experience in UVC germicidal technology will ensure the proper UV lights for your anti-bacterial application.

UV Light Kills Bacteria in Germicidal Applications

LightSources is recognized as an authority on UVC germicidal technology, offering patented products for long-lasting UV lights that effectively kill bacteria and all harmful microorganisms. We design, engineer, and manufacture UV lights used in water, surface, and air disinfection systems worldwide. We provide a wide selection of Low Pressure and Medium Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps, with custom-engineered solutions available.

Our Low-Pressure UV germicidal lamps are similar in construction and operation to standard fluorescent lights, although the UVC lamps do not include the phosphate coating present in fluorescent lamps. This allows more UVC radiation to pass through the quartz or soda-lime glass. Low-Pressure Amalgam UVC lamps provide ideal germ-killing effectiveness even in applications with ambient temperature fluctuations.

Our Medium Pressure Mercury Discharge lamps emit broadband wavelengths rather than narrowband, similar to High-Intensity Discharge lamps. Consulting with an engineer is the best way to obtain the ideal UV light to kill the bacteria and harmful contaminants in your application. The LightSources Group consists of the leading high-tech lamp designers available, offering expertise and an understanding of the technology behind UVC germicidal technology combined with superior lamp construction.

LightSources assists businesses across a wide range of industries including municipalities in obtaining highly effective germ-killing disinfection in many purification systems. We offer UV light disinfection to wastewater treatment facilities, ballast water treatment systems, and reclamation applications. Our UV lights are used to kill bacteria in restaurants, grocery stores, food and beverage processing plants, and many other commercial and industrial applications. Our UV lamps are proven to improve processes with effective, high performance which outlasts comparable lamps, for maximum energy savings and cost efficiency.