Second, UVC is harmful for humans as well, so systems need to be designed in a way to minimize human exposure. First, it can only disinfect objects in the path of the light, so sometimes multiple bulbs are required. UVC radiation is extremely effective when used correctly. Lastly, it’s too powerful to be used on any product that includes microorganisms like vaccines. It also can cause a lot of damage to human skin. It relies on surfaces and objects being in the path of the light, so systems have to be set up so all target surfaces have a strong source of light. UVC is one of the best ways to kill microorganisms, but it does have its drawbacks. This halts reproduction, so the germs die out, leaving a sterile surface. The high-energy waves of UVC interfere with the genetic material of microorganisms, stopping the cell from replicating this material. This is why only UVC can be used for disinfecting.
UVC does not just damage human skin – it’s also extremely dangerous for bacteria and other microbes. UVA and UVB can cause sunburns and skin cancer, but UVC causes the most damage to living tissues because of its short wavelength and high energy, so it’s lucky we are not regularly exposed to it. UVC produced by the sun doesn’t cause us any damage because the atmosphere absorbs the radiation before it can come to Earth. The three main types of UV are UVA (315 nm – 400 nm), UVB (280 nm – 315 nm), and UVC (100 nm – 280 nm).Īll three types are found in sunlight, but only UVC is used to disinfect surfaces and objects. There are three different types that are classified according to wavelength. Not all ultraviolet radiation is created equal.
This is also where the name infrared comes from – it has slightly longer wavelengths than red light. It gets its name because it has slightly shorter wavelengths than violet, the shortest wavelength of visible light. Ultraviolet radiation is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum in between visible light and x-rays. This energy includes many things you have likely already heard of like infrared light, radio waves, gamma rays, X-rays, and visible light. Scientists measure light energy on a scale called the electromagnetic spectrum. UVC is one type of ultraviolet radiation, which is an invisible form of light energy that can cause damage to living tissues, making it a useful tool for killing germs if used safely.