What Is an Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizer?
The ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer is a type of sterilizer that kills microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) and viruses.
Ultraviolet rays, which are electromagnetic waves with short wavelengths, damage molecules with their high energy, thereby killing microorganisms and viruses.
In particular, ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 280 nm or less, known as UV-C, have the highest sterilizing power among ultraviolet rays. Methods combining ultraviolet light and photocatalysts have been developed, and new sterilization methods using ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers are emerging.
Uses of Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizers
In recent years, demand for sterilization and removal of airborne microorganisms and viruses has been increasing as a countermeasure against infectious diseases. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers play an effective role in this regard.
Especially in winter, when viral infections caused by influenza viruses and noroviruses are more prevalent, the use of ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers to sterilize these viruses by installing them indoors is attracting attention.
In addition, sterilization processes are essential for safety reasons in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are widely used in factories to maintain product hygiene.
Thus, ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers are utilized in various places such as homes, factories, and laboratories.
Principle of Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizers
In general, the shorter the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave, the higher the energy it possesses.
Visible light, which is visible to the human eye, has a wavelength of 400~800 nm, while ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 200~300 nm, which means it has more energy than visible light. Irradiating various materials with ultraviolet rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic waves, can destroy the molecular structures that make up the materials. Microorganisms and viruses are also composed of molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), which are damaged when directly exposed to high-energy electromagnetic waves such as UV light.
DNA has a double helical structure consisting of a series of building blocks called nucleotides, and UV irradiation of DNA damages the nucleotides and breaks the helical structure. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers kill microorganisms by damaging their DNA, thereby killing their cells.
This process is not limited to viruses and other organisms, but also to humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks and characteristics of UV light and to use it correctly.
Other Information on Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizers
1. Characteristics of Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizers
Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers can kill microorganisms and viruses in water and air. Compared to sterilization by chlorine, it can be used to sterilize air and has the advantage of having no odor or irritation. Also, compared to sterilization by ozone, it can be done with simple equipment and does not require toxic gases.
High-temperature, high-pressure sterilization equipment (autoclave) is an effective method for killing microorganisms and viruses, but the treatment time is long and the high temperature and pressure cause denaturation of the material. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers, on the other hand, are the sterilization method of choice because they require less time and have minimal impact on the material.
Due to its extremely low environmental impact and high safety characteristics, UV sterilization is expected to be applied in a wide variety of situations.
2. Precautions for Using Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilizers
Since ultraviolet rays exert their sterilizing effect only on directly irradiated areas, sterilization of areas blocked by objects may be inadequate. Therefore, proper irradiation of ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer is important.
In addition, since direct irradiation of ultraviolet rays poses the risk of skin cancer and blindness, great care should be taken to avoid direct irradiation of the human body.