Everyone knows that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn and lead to skin cancer. But in a different form, could it be good for you and your home?
What is ultraviolet light?
Ultraviolet light is an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths shorter than visible light, but longer than X-rays. Some UV rays are beneficial, such as those that produce vitamin D. But too much exposure can lead to sunburn, skin cancer, and cataracts. All that is certainly not great. It means you should use caution and sunscreen when working or spending time in direct sunlight, even on a cool March day here in the Bloomfield Hills / Oakland County area.
But low levels of UV light are actually beneficial … especially when used as a disinfectant because it kills germs!
How UV light kills germs
As you may already know, there are many different kinds of UV light. UV-A and UV-B types are the kinds that come from the sun. But they aren’t the only types of UV light that exist. UV-C, Far-UVC, and VUV Far-UV. We won’t get too “far” into describing the last two because they don’t have germ-killing properties, but UV-C is the narrow bandwidth of light that IS able to kill off germs!
UV light damages the DNA of bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, and other microbes. The cells can’t repair themselves fast enough to avoid disintegration. So it’s great that low levels of UV light released inside an enclosed space like your home can be highly effective against some nasty, odor-causing germs – not only the ones that make you sick, but also including mold and pet/human dander!
How ultraviolet germ treatment for homes works
The UV-C lamps are installed in the ducts of a forced-air heating or cooling system so that when air passes by, any microbes in the air also go under the light. Keep in mind, because the exposure period is so short, sometimes a microbe needs to cycle through the ducts more than once in order for the UV-C light to destroy it. (Either by damaging the DNA or the microbe’s protein coating.) Our germicidal lamps use maximum-intensity light because they aren’t going to be exposed to any people, so you might as well hit bacteria, viruses, and more with maximum strength!
… if you’re interested in finding out more about ultraviolet germ treatment for homes, or any of our other air quality solutions fully dedicated to purifying your home. From UV lights to the patented technology iWave Air bipolar ionization device, we’ve got so many scientifically-backed methods proven to eliminate germs from your home. All you need to do is contact us online or call now: (248) 986-1506