What Is UVC?

UVC is ultraviolet light. You may be familiar with the terms UVA and UVB as they are the wavelengths of ultraviolet light that cause sunburns. The sun also produces UVC wavelengths, but it is absorbed by the atmosphere before it reaches the Earth’s surface.

UVC light has been found to have many practical applications and can be easily and inexpensively created with special bulbs. It effectively wipes out 99.9% of harmful biological organisms by damaging the DNA of cells and preventing them from reproducing. Germicidal UV lights have been used in hospitals and water treatment plants for decades.

Here are some of the organisms scientists have killed with UVC light:
•Recent newsmakers like Ebola, Legionnaire’s disease and Enterovirus D-68
•Many types of bacteria and viruses including MRSA, H1N1, E.coli, norovirus, salmonella, flu and cold viruses
•Dust mites, fleas and bed bugs
•Some varieties of mold (with careful pre-treatment)
•Biological contaminants in water like giardia
•Odor-causing bacteria in gym or camping equipment, etc.

What does this mean for you? A variety of germicidal UV light devices are available for home use. They can prevent the spread of cold and flu in the winter months, help disinfect without chemicals, and keep you healthy and bed bug-free while you travel.

**UVC should never be used directly on humans or pets.