HOW DOES UV LIGHT KILL GERMS?
Over 140 years ago Arthur Downes & Thomas P. Blunt discovered the antibacterial effects of sunlight. They determined that shorter wavelengths of the solar spectrum were more effective at neutralizing bacteria. It is now widely known that there are substantial germicidal and anti-bacterial effects from UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A light spectrums.
With UV-C technology it is possible to destroy more than 99.99% of all pathogens within seconds- both in the air and on surfaces- without adding chemicals, without harmful side effects and as an inexpensive solution that is highly efficient and reliable.
The cell nucleus of micro-organisms or pathogens (bacteria and virus) contain thymine, a chemical element of the DNA/RNA. This element absorbs UV-C light and changes to such an extent (formation of thymine dimers) that the cells are no longer capable of multiplying and surviving. All bacteria and viruses tested to date (many hundreds over the years, including other coronaviruses) respond to UVC disinfection. Some organisms are more susceptible to UVC disinfection than others, but all tested so far do respond at the appropriate doses.
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UV-C penetrates the cell wall of the microorganisms
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The high energy photons of the UV-C are absorbed by the cell proteins and DNA/RNA
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UV-C damages the protein structure causing metabolic disruption
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DNA/RNA is chemically altered so organisms can no longer replicate
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Because microorganisms are now unable to metabolize or replicate, the UV-C light has effectively and safely sanitized the UV-C workspace area.
UVC LIGHT FOR SANITIZATION
Light is comprised of different wavelengths, each with their own unique properties. The germicidal properties of ultraviolet (UV) light, part of the non-visible spectrum, can be harnessed to effectively sanitize the air, water and surfaces. At the appropriate wavelength and fluence (dose), exposure to ultraviolet light modifies or destroys the genetic material (DNA and RNA) in all viruses, bacteria and mold, preventing replication.
PBI Ultra's air and surface sanitizing products employ various combinations of UV light and filtration to inactivate pathogens, including Far UV-C (200-230nm) which is safe for human exposure, UV-C (231-280nm), with some products also utilizing UVB and UV-A (365nm).
BROAD SPECTRUM OF LIGHT FOR OPTIMUM EFFECT
The innovative products at PBI Ultra bring a significant breakthrough in germicidal protection for our world- safely managed disinfection on demand. The new generation of light sanitization solutions has a range of products which utilize different segments of this powerful, broad-spectrum light, including germicidal UVC (231- 280nm) Far-UVC germicidal (200-230nm) which is known to be safe for human exposure, UVB and anti-bacterial UVA to optimize the germ-killing efficiency of the products specified.
UV-C is most traditionally referred to as germicidal UV with UVC irradiation having the ability to kill pathogens and mircro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus.
UV-A and UV-B light causes oxidation of proteins and lipids causing cell death. UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of your skin. Overexposure causes suntan/tanning, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering.
BRINGING PROTECTION AGAINST GERMS & PATHOGENS TO YOUR SPACES
Whether we like to think about it or not, germs are everywhere. However, UVC disinfection is a proven, safe, and effective solution to help protect our world against harmful bacteria and viruses.
With the patented technology from PBI Ultra, there are now cost-effective ways to bring clinical-level protection to everyday spaces, including athletic facilities, schools and universities, commercial office spaces, hotels, healthcare facilities, and more, as well as for targeted disinfection of equipment, such as PPE
COVID-19 STATEMENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ULTRAVIOLET ASSOCIATION
The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) believes that UV disinfection technologies can play a role in a multiple barrier approach to reducing the transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, SARSCoV-2, based on current disinfection data and empirical evidence. UV is a known disinfectant for air, water and surfaces that can help to mitigate the risk of acquiring an infection in contact with the COVID-19 virus when applied correctly.
"The IUVA has assembled leading experts from around the world to develop guidance on the effective use of UV technology, as a disinfection measure, to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 virus. Established in 1999, the IUVA is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of ultraviolet technologies to help address public health and environmental concerns," says Dr. Ron Hofmann, Professor at the University of Toronto, and President of the IUVA.
“The data that backs up this technology, the ease of its use, and the non-contact nature of UVC make it a valuable tool amid the pandemic” Indermeet Kohli MD, Research Physicist at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit