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Ultraviolet
Lights
The cleaning mechanism of UV is a photo-chemical
process. The contaminants that pollute our homes are almost
entirely
based upon organic or carbon-based compounds. These compounds
breakdown
when exposed to high intensity UV at 240 to 290 nm. Short-wave
ultraviolet
light can destroy DNA in living microorganisms and breakdown
organic
material found in indoor air. UVC's effectiveness is directly
related
to intensity and exposure time.
UV rays must strike the contaminants directly in order to
penetrate the
microorganism and break down its molecular bonds. This bond
breakage translates into cellular or genetic damage with the germs rendered harmless
by robbing
them of the ability to reproduce.
Our sun provides a wide spectrum of light energy - from the
invisible ultraviolet
to normal visible light and up through the visible infrared. We
are most
familiar with the invisible UVA and UVB light waves that are
harmful to
our skin. But it is the short UVC wavelength that contains the
right level
of energy for destroying dust mites, bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds.
Medical
studies using ultra-violet disinfections have proven effective
in reducing the allergens responsible for numerous allergies and
asthma, as well as
the spread of tuberculosis, measles, influenza, and smallpox.
When microbes (bacteria,
pollens, viruses, yeast, fungi
and mold spores) are exposed to sufficient doses of UVC light, their DNA
is destroyed,
causing cell death or making replication (cell division)
impossible. They
are rendered harmless. Since UVC leaves no product residues or
contaminates,
it is an environmentally friendly alternative to using
chemicals.
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