Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation uses ultraviolet light, chiefly UV-C, to damage microorganisms’ genetic material and prevent replication. It disinfects air, water, and surfaces without relying on chemical residues.

UV-C: Ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths from 100 to 280 nanometers, commonly used for germicidal treatment. This short-wavelength band supplies the radiation used in most germicidal systems.
Upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation: A room disinfection method that directs germicidal ultraviolet radiation across the upper air zone. Room fixtures treat airborne microorganisms as convection carries air through the irradiated zone.
Electromagnetic spectrum: The full range of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by frequency or wavelength. UV germicidal treatment occupies a specific region of this broader spectrum.
Chlorination: Water disinfection or treatment using chlorine or chlorine compounds. Unlike UV, chlorine can leave a disinfectant residual in treated water.
Ultraviolet radiation hazards: Harmful effects of ultraviolet exposure, including skin injury and eye damage. Germicidal UV can injure people if fixtures expose occupied spaces improperly.
Pyrimidine dimer: A covalent linkage between adjacent pyrimidine bases in nucleic acids, often induced by ultraviolet radiation. These lesions disrupt genome copying after UV exposure.
Ultraviolet water disinfection: Water treatment that exposes flowing water to ultraviolet radiation to inactivate microorganisms. Water reactors deliver a controlled UV dose without adding a disinfectant chemical.
Ultraviolet: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays. Germicidal irradiation is one use of ultraviolet radiation.
Ozonation: Water or air treatment using ozone as a powerful oxidizing agent. Ozone inactivates microorganisms through chemical oxidation rather than UV-induced genetic damage.
Photokeratitis: A painful inflammation of the cornea caused by excessive ultraviolet exposure. Accidental exposure to germicidal UV can produce this acute eye injury.

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