Harnessing UV Light to Kill Germs Like The Coronavirus
The current COVID-19 pandemic constantly reminds us that germs (viruses and bacteria) can lurk on surfaces and infect those who come into contact with them3.
To protect ourselves from getting sick, we must clean and sanitize surfaces to kill harmful germs2,4. However, thoroughly washing every surface can be difficult, and using toxic chemicals can lead to other harmful effects on our bodies.
Hospitals have started to use light technology for sanitizing surfaces (1). The most recent advancements in UV-C germicidal lamp technology allow us to harness the power of light energy in a handheld device to kill germs and sanitize surfaces7.
The Science of UV-C Sanitization
Viruses like the coronavirus and other germs have two main parts that are crucial to their survival: their "guts" which are made up of genetic information like DNA or RNA for reproduction, and a protective "shell" that houses those guts2,4. To kill germs, destroying the outside, inside or both renders the germ harmless and unable to make people sick2,4.
Practicing good hygiene is critical for keeping us safe from infections from germs like the coronavirus, but disinfecting surfaces can be challenging and time-consuming2. To address these challenges, researchers and engineers have developed new technology to use the power of light to kill germs on surfaces1,5,7.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is naturally emitted from the sun and passes through the atmosphere to shine on the earth6. The most powerful form of UV light, UV-C light, is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere above us6. UV-C light destroys the genetic insides of germs, preventing them from multiplying and making us sick6. Now, handheld germicidal lamps take advantage of UV-C light to kill disease-causing germs1,7.
Why Use UV-C to Kill Germs?
1.) It's effective
Research shows that UV-C light, when properly applied, kills 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and other germs1,5,7. Additionally, having a "no-touch" method to kill germs reduces the likelihood that cleaners are exposed to infection1.
2.) It's fast
Handheld UV-C devices are powerful enough to sanitize surfaces in just a few minutes7.
3.) It's easy
Handheld UV-C light wands are easy to use; just wave the wand over the surface that needs to be sanitized (Light Lounge, 2020). Note that short-wave UV-C can damage human skin, eyes, and DNA, so it is essential to know how to use devices properly6. The manual that comes with the UV-light wand contains detailed instructions and safety procedures.
4.) It's environment-friendly
Using fewer chemicals means less handling of toxic cleaning products1. Additionally, using light technology for sanitizing surfaces means that less waste gets into the environment, saving wildlife and water supplies from harmful contamination1.
Harness the Power of UV-C: Light Clean
Proper use of a UV-C light sanitizing device like Light Clean can help you in your efforts to maintain a clean household or workplace7. Light Clean can help you easily sanitize your bathroom, kitchen, or hallway7. UV-C light is also safe to use on electronics that carry germs like smartphones or keyboards of computers7. For a portable and versatile tool to keep you safe from surfaces that harbor harmful germs, try a Light Clean UV-C sanitizing wand!
If you want to find out how to get your own UV-C germicidal device, the Light Lounge™ team is here to help! Reach out to us via Facebook or Twitter, to send your message, chat, or ask questions. Visit our website to look for Light Clean or other health products and check out our blog to find the latest research on Light Technology.