UV lamps have been used to inactivate microorganisms for many years. Much of the early work was directed at the control of very infectious microorganisms (particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis), often in medical facilities. Wavelengths within the short wave, or C band of UV light (UV-C or UVC), were found to be the most effective germicidal light wavelength. UVC is generated by electrical discharge through low-pressure mercury vapor enclosed in a glass tube that transmits UVC (primary wavelength of 253.7 nm) light. UVC at 253.7 nm is also referred to as UVG to indicate that it is germicidal. UVC has been shown to inactivate viruses, mycoplasma, bacteria, and fungi, whether suspended in air or deposited on surfaces.
We do not strictly control Google ad content. If you believe any Google ad is inappropriate, please email us directly here.
Scientists have classified UV radiation into three types - UVA, UVB, and UVC.
The Sun produces UV. The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs some but not all of these types of UV from sunlight:
- UVA Not absorbed by the ozone layer
- UVB Partially absorbed by the ozone layer
- UVC Completely absorbed by the ozone layer
- EPA
"Ultraviolet (UV) light has long been known to have germicidal properties ... UV radiation was one of the earliest recognized methods of disinfection, however its use was discontinued around the the turn of the century because of the advent of chlorination and ozonation. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in UV radiation as an alternative to chemical treatments largely as a result of concern over toxic chemical byproducts."
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
HHI Error Correction Policy
HHI is committed to accuracy of content and correcting information that is incomplete or inaccurate. With our broad scope of coverage of healthful indoor environments, and desire to rapidly publish info to benefit the community, mistakes are inevitable. HHI has established an error correction policy to welcome corrections or enhancements to our information. Please help us improve the quality of our content by contacting allen@healthyhouseinstitute.com with corrections or suggestions for improvement. Each contact will receive a respectful reply.
The Healthy House Institute (HHI), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HealthyHouseInstitute.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on creating healthy home environments.
While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HHI provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HHI: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.
