Ultraviolet Light and Its Biological Effects

 

Have you ever heard that ultraviolet (UV) light can be a biocide for living things? You can find the answer within the following info.

 

Starting with the history, the study on UV rays and its biological effects began around 1888 when Neils Ryborg Finsen decided to analyze this matter. He proposed that UV rays could kill bacteria. This discovery motivated other inventors to perform further analysis on this subject, including the mechanism of UV rays on microorganisms and applications in biology, medical sterilization, also air and water treatment.

 

UV (ultraviolet) light is part of electromagnetic spectrum which ranges from gamma rays to radio waves. The short wavelength and high frequency gamma rays are more energetic than radio waves which have long wavelength and low frequency. Therefore radio waves do not give bad effects no matter how long you are exposed to it. On the other hand, the short waves from gamma rays will be dangerous, even deadly.

 

Of the electromagnetic spectrum, UV ray goes around 10-400 nanometers in which UVA exists in the 100-280nm, UVB for 280-315nm, and UVC stands 315-400nm. There is UV lamps which are designed to create biocide at 260-nanometer emission. To kill bacteria, UV light penetrates their cells to break the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). This acid has such chemical which bonds the atoms together. UV ray brings massive damages to the bond and knocks the electrons. To kill a large amount of bacteria, short exposure of UV light is not enough. That is why it needs moderate dose of UV light.

 

For sterilization applications, Ultraviolet lamps are used to sterilize aquarium water. The UV lamp applied to a small assembly in which the light irradiates the water pumped through the device. In addition, UV light is used in water filter to produce hygienic drinking water, killing any harmful microorganisms. With UV ray water filter you can get bottled water quality just by pushing the button of the faucet in your home.

 

Talking about UV light, you are probably interested in any discussions on spectrum and any devices dealing with this subject. Thus you can visit [https://fivergroup.com/uv-air-sterilizer-1.html] and read other articles of Lucien Lester on UV VIS spectrometer [https://fivergroup.com/6-benefits-of-using-uv-light-for-disinfection-22.html]. Within those articles you can also find reviews on such spectrometers which you can take into consideration before you purchase one.