Prevent mold and mildew from building up in your home and causing assorted health problems through use of ultraviolet light fixtures. Ultraviolet light is an excellent method of dealing with mold and mildew if general cleaning is not enough. These types of light fixtures are especially recommended for high-humidity areas more prone to mold and mildew growth.
Mold is defined as a type of filamentous fungus that thrives in moist or damp environments. Mold "colonies" are generally circular in nature, though mold can appear as wooly, cottony or glabrous. It is found indoors as well as outdoors, and requires oxygen to survive. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there are 50 to 100 indoor mold types where exposure can result in health issues. Health threats due to mold exposure include allergic reactions such as nummular eczema, which resembles ringworm, and dyshidrotic eczema, which results in tiny blisters on hand palms.
Ultraviolet Light Description
Ultraviolet light is defined as a type of radiation that cannot be seen by human eyes. Part of the "electromagnetic spectrum," ultraviolet light is in the same family as X-rays and gamma rays, as all are "beyond the blue end of the visible spectrum," according to the Kennedy Space Center of Science and Technology. Germicidal UV light is an excellent defense against mold and mildew as it breaks up mold and mildew DNA, which results in mold sterilization.
Place ultraviolet light fixtures in areas that provide ample space for light-mounting components. Proper installation means using 24VAC electrical power. Minimum recommended space for mounting is about 3 by 3 inches, with 14 inches as the minimum for the fixture's "internal depth." Use a 2-inch duct knife or hole saw to create a 2-inch hole where you plan to mount the lamp. Position the lamp so its end fits in the hole and attach the fixture to the wall with sheet-metal screws. There should be enough space for you to easily service or remove the fixture. Remove any fingerprints from the fixture during installation. Find a good spot to mount the power supply module so the UV indicator light can be seen clearly and there is enough wire to reach the lamp's power source.
Refrain from looking directly at ultraviolet light sources without wearing UV protective glasses, as this type of light can result in eye and skin damage. UV glasses are designed specifically for ultraviolet light, and regular sunglasses are not substitutes for UV glasses. Unplug ultraviolet light lamps before you work on them, and wear gloves when handling ultraviolet light fixtures. As with any lamp, ultraviolet lights will become very hot, therefore they should be allowed to cool before being serviced.