Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increasing need for sterilization in medical facilities to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. But hospitals are not the only places where the infections can spread. Diseases can also develop if a bacteria-filled food item is eaten, and water-borne diseases are also on the rise. Treating water and processing food to purify it from germs can be an expensive process that uses chemicals and results in environmental pollution as a lot of toxic chemicals are generated.
However, an innovative germ-killing technique that does not require chemicals and is not costly is UV light treatment. This sterilization technique kills off viruses and bacteria by using ultraviolet light. This amazing sterilization method is fast gaining popularity. Since this sterilization method became common, a lot of manufacturers have started offering UV disinfection systems. It can be easy to get confused about these systems, and there are many brands claiming all sorts of sterilization effectiveness. No need to get puzzled about which system to buy because, In this blog, we are going to explore in detail what features you should look for before you buy a UV lamp sterilization system.
How does UV Disinfection work?
The operation of a UV system is quite straightforward. UV disinfection involves utilizing ultraviolet light in the form of electromagnetic radiation that passes through bacteria and deforms their DNA. When this happens, the bacteria either die, or the genetic mutation makes them unable to reproduce.
UV-C light is used to eradicate viruses and bacteria, including the COVID-19 virus. However, UV light of only a specific wavelength with a range of 200-280 nanometers is the most effective as a germ killer. A UV-C sterilization consists of a UV-C lamp that emits light at 254 nanometers, which is an efficient germ killer.
What Kind of Germs Can UV Disinfection Kill Off?
UV disinfection is nature's best pathogen killer and can kill all kinds of germs, such as
Bacteria: UV light is capable of killing food-based and water-based bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella, and Legionella, which can cause a wide array of illnesses.
Fungi: In damp and moist places that lack any ventilation, fungi, and mold can start growing, and these mold can cause respiratory illnesses and allergic symptoms that can get serious. UV light can erase some types of fungi.
Viruses: UV light can disable many viruses as well, causing them to be unable to reproduce. These viruses range from the common cold and influenza to particularly lethal infections like SARS and Covid-19.
Protozoa: Water-borne protozoa are resistant to chlorination treatment of water and can cause stomach diseases, but UV light is also able to kill off these germs.
Although UV light is an effective germ killer, the sterilization process depends on the duration and intensity of light exposure. Other factors that should be considered for 100% disinfection are the wavelength of light and organic matter or particles present in the body or water that is being sterilized. Too much organic matter may mean that UV light gets blocked by the organic matter and does not reach the bacteria or virus.
What to Look For When Buying a UV Light Sterilization System
There are numerous brands making UV light sterilization systems, so how would you know which one to choose? When buying a sterilization system from a UV lamp manufacturer, the following features should be kept in mind.
Safety Features
A UV sterilization system is dangerous equipment that can cause harm if the user is exposed to UV-C light. Left on, a UV light can even cause cancer. So, while choosing a UVC lamp from a UV lamp manufacturer, check if it has the necessary safety features and whether they are functional or not. These features include remote sensors, caution lights, and an automatic shutdown feature.
User-Friendliness
Having a simple and easy-to-understand user interface can make using UV light much less risky as the user will not make a mistake that damages the equipment. UV disinfection in facilities is supposed to be a fast way of disinfecting items, and a complex to operate UV lamp system may make sterilization a more time-consuming task, which will also affect work productivity.
Automatic vs. Manual Operation
There are two variants of UV sterilization equipment offered on the market. A manual UV sterilization system is fixed in one place and requires the staff to move them throughout the room to disinfect the items. An automatic operates by its own accord and passes through each surface without any interference. Hence, the disinfection process becomes much swifter, and the staff can focus on other important tasks.
Pricing
A vital aspect that should never be overlooked while selecting a UV disinfection system is the price of the gadget. Different brands have different power consumption and replacement parts. If you are looking to save money, you should choose a system with low power consumption and cheap and easily available replacement parts.
Reporting
Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards is crucial in any disinfection procedure. Obtaining detailed reports outlining the disinfection processes performed and their thoroughness is an essential step. The speed of receiving these reports varies based on the UV disinfection solution selected; some offer real-time delivery, while others may take around a month to furnish a comprehensive briefing. Additionally, these reports can differ in content. Some merely mark a room as 'Complete,' while others provide intricate details, including heat maps and positional tracking, depicting what specific areas were disinfected within the room.
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