UV-C Disinfection Technology

January 18, 2022

The Government of India had put Ultra Violet – C Disinfection Technology for testing in Parliament, AC buses and trains. The technology is a huge success. It is now to be rolled out for the public. Also, the technology is to be used during ECI (Election Commission of India) poll meetings.

Who developed the technology?

It was developed by the CSIR-Council of Scientific Instruments Organization under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

About UV – C Disinfection Technology

Ultra Violet C technology uses wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm. UV lights namely UV – A and UV – B are transmitted through the atmosphere. The UV – B is capable of penetrating the outer layer of skin. It causes skin cancer.
The UV – C light is filtered by ozone layer. On the other hand, the other two
The UV – C radiation has been used in hospitals for decades to disinfect the air. It is a conventional germicidal treatment.

UV – C in COVID-19

The UV – C destroys the outer protein coating of COVID – 19. Especially, the far – UVC light is highly efficient in killing COVID-19 viruses. Scientists proved that alpha and beta mutants are killed by far UVC. For this, they use 222 nm far UVC radiations. This 222 nm UVC was selected mainly because it does not harm mammalian skin, that is, human skin. Because, the cells of virus and bacteria are much smaller than human cells.

What can UVC radiation do?

It disinfects air, porous surface and water. It kills the virus only when the virus is exposed to UVC directly. Therefore, UVC cannot be used to disinfect dusty surfaces and other surfaces that has bodily fluids.

Can UVA and UVB kill COVID virus?

Yes, but partially. Not as effective as UVC. Also, UVB causes DNA damages unlike UVC. UVA is less effective than UVB and UVC.

Potential hazards of UVC

UVC disinfection technology cannot be used on surfaces made of plastic, dyed textile and polymers. UVC creates ozone. Ozone inhalation causes irritation in the airway.

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