FAQ | UV Light Disinfection Devices | UVC MAX

Ultraviolet radiation is an electromagnetic radiation and cannot be perceived by human eyes. By definition it contains the spectral range of 100 up to 380 nm and, thus, directly joins the blue, visible part of the light. The ultraviolet spectrum has wavelengths up to 380 nm and is subdivided as follows:

• UV-A 315-280 nm responsible for sunburn
• UV-B 380-315 nm “blacklight”
• UV-C 280-200 nm disinfection effect
• UV-C-VUV 200-100 nm ozone formation

Our machines use the germicidal UV–C lamp that has been scientifically proven to kill up to 99.99% of all known germs and pathogens within seconds.

Ultraviolet light in the C spectrum or simply UV-C is energy-rich light with a wavelength of 200 – 400 nanometers (nm). At an optimal wavelength of 253.7nm, UV-C light penetrates the cell wall of the pathogen microorganism and the high-energy photons of the UV-C light are then absorbed by the cell proteins and DNA/RNA. UV-C damages the protein structure disrupting the metabolism of the cell, which chemically alters the DNA/RNA. Now that DNA/RNA is malfunctioning, pathogen microorganisms can no longer replicate and they cannot cause disease or spoilage. This dry, environmentally friendly and chemical-free process does not involve the usage of liquid, unpleasant chemicals, gasses, or toxic materials. This process is deadly for all microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, molds, yeasts and viruses, but is completely safe for human beings and pets.

UVC radiation is extremely effective in killing all germs, viruses and bacteria. UVC radiation is part of the spectrum of solar radiation.

The three (3) basic types of ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun are UV-A, UV-B and UVC . Because UVC radiation has the shortest wavelength and therefore the highest energy, it also has the unique ability to neutralize all pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

UVC radiation, which is part of the spectrum of solar radiation, is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Thus, for the purposes of sterilization it must be reproduced by special lamps and special LEDs.

The short-wavelength UVC radiation of 200-280nm, which is characterized as germicidal radiation, is known as UVGI ( UV GERMICIDAL IRRADIATION ) and differs from the medium wavelength UVB radiation of 280-320nm and UVA of long wavelength, which have no germicidal effectiveness.

While it emits short wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm, it emits high energy, which makes it extremely effective in neutralizing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. This property makes UVC radiation an efficient, environmentally friendly and chemical-free way to prevent microorganisms from reproducing in any environment.

The germicidal UV lamp emits ultraviolet light at a short wavelength of UVC, which falls on surfaces and neutralizes all germs, viruses and bacteria that are in the intermediate volume of air and on that surface.

Because it emits high energy, it absorbes into the cellular RNA and DNA of the germs of viruses and bacteria, destroying their chemical bonds and preventing them from reproducing, thus, they lose the ability to infect.

Microorganisms cannot develop immunity to UVC radiation as they can to bactericides and antibiotics.

Researchers now know that the 254 nm germicidal wavelength can inactivate the genetic material in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, when aerosolized the COVID-19 causing virus is likely to be more susceptible to UV-C damage than other coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-1 (that led to the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome) or MERS-CoV2 (that caused the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome).

It is important to note that science has not found any microorganism that can withstand the destructive effects of the UV-C germicidal wavelength, including superbugs and other antibiotic-resistant germs. In fact, viruses and bacteria cannot develop a resistance to germicidal UV because it uses energy to kill, rather than synthetic or chemical elements.

While the Ultraviolet spectrum contains four separate wavelengths—UV-A, B, C and Vacuum UV—each operates at different energy levels and only one is capable of producing ozone (Vacuum UV).

Vacuum UV operates in the 100-200 nm range, where it is capable of producing ozone. UV-C, conversely, reaches its optimal germicidal strength near 253.7 nm. Because ozone may only be produced below 200 nm, at 253.7 nm (rounded to 254 nm), the germicidal wavelength does not generate ozone.

In addition to the stronger 254 nm wavelength that does not produce ozone, UV-C lamps offer another layer of ozone protection.

Most germicidal lamps, including those from UV Resources, are produced with doped quartz glass, which blocks the transmission of the 185 nm ozone-producing wavelength. The doped quartz glass allows the 253.7 nm radiation to pass through, but it blocks the 185 nm wavelength from escaping. Therefore, germicidal lamps with doped glass CANNOT produce ozone.

We’re exposed to parts of the UV spectrum while outdoors. Generally, excessive UV exposure can produce adverse effects depending on the wavelength, the type and the duration, and UV response varies between individuals. The three basic wavelengths:

• UV-C – includes the germicidal wavelength of 253.7nm and is used for air and water disinfection. Human overexposure causes temporary skin redness and harsh eye irritation, but no permanent damage, skin cancer nor cataracts.
• UV-B – is a narrower, but more dangerous band of UV. Prolonged exposure has been associated with skin cancer, skin aging and cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye).
• UV-A – is more predominant outdoors than the other two. It helps to tan our skin and is used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders. It is generally a harmless wavelength.

UV-A, B and C will damage collagen fibers and accelerate skin aging. Generally, UV-A is the least harmful; UV-B contributes to DNA damage and cancer. It penetrates deeply but does not cause sunburn. Because of no reddening (erythema) it cannot be measured in SPF testing. There is no good clinical measurement of UV-B blocking, but it is important that sunscreens block both UV-A and B. UV-C however, penetrates superficially and has not been associated with any long-term tissue damage.

UVC is damaging to the skin and to the eyes. DO NOT look at the UV light or expose any part of your body. UVC should not be used, and is not intended for use, for direct human disinfection.

A possible exception is far-UV light.

• Like any disinfection system, UVC devices must be used properly to be safe.
• They all produce varying amounts of UVC light in wavelengths of 200 – 280nm. UVC light is much more energetic than normal sunlight and can cause a severe sunburn-like reaction to your skin, and similarly, could damage the retina of your eye, if exposed.
• Suitable PPE should be worn at all times when there is a risk of UV exposure to the skin or eyes. Be aware of stray light from the UV source and avoid irradiation of reflective surfaces.
• These considerations should be addressed in the operations manual, in the user training and the safety compliance rules.

Yes. Ultraviolet light in C band (UV-C) can cause skin rashes, eye irritation and can also lead to more serious health problems if exposed on a constant and prolonged basis.

No. It does not cause any physical or chemical changes/damages to any inert objects exposed to its light.

No. UV-C light cannot pass through any solid surface. In fact, it can’t even pass through transparent objects such as glass, acrylics, etc. Thus, even if a glass-walled room is being disinfected, it won’t affect people working outside the room. However, the purplish visible light that is generated along with UV-C, and is of no harm, can pass through glass/acrylic, etc.