UV Ozone

How does UV-C light technology work?
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is a disinfection method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light at a sufficiently short wavelength called UV-C (253.7nm) to kill microorganisms. It is effective in destroying the nucleic acids in these organisms so that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions such as reproduction.

Is UV-C light technology safe to use?
In short, yes. UV-C doesn’t normally reach the earth, whereas longer range UV such as UV-A and UV-B does; these longer range UV frequencies can cause damage to humans. UV-C does neither of these things, so is perfectly harmless to anyone other than the germs!

Why would I need a UV sanitiser as well as chemical cleaners?
There are a variety of ways that chemical cleaners can prove less than 100% effective, starting with dilution. If you over dilute a chemical cleaner then you run the risk of it not being strong enough to kill the germs and the germs that are exposed are more likely to mutate and become resistant to chemical cleaners. If it is under diluted then it will leave behind residue, which in combination with damp surfaces provides a perfect breeding ground for germs which can then become resistant.
UV-C should ideally be used alongside chemical cleaners for best practice cleaning, in much the same way as alcohol gel isn’t a substitute for washing your hands. UV-C adds an extra layer of protection and eliminates any germs left behind by human error.

UV-C Light Products have a kill rate of 99.9%
• Bacterial germs – Salmonella, E-coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Cerus, Campylobacter, MRSA.
• Viruses – H1N1, Novovirus, Rotovirus, Influenza, common cold, viral pneumonia, rhinovirus.
• Fungal germs – mould found in domestic settings such as on walls, and around sink and bathroom fittings.
• Dust mites, fleas, bed bugs and their eggs – also kills bacteria rendering their waste products non-toxic.

Micro-organisms are microscopically small
They are everywhere and have an extremely high metabolism. For example, in hot and humid weather the number of moulds and bacteria increases exponentially. Furthermore, micro-organisms produce mucus substances that are deposited on surfaces and can contaminate food and cause microbial decay of the products. The cell nucleus of micro-organisms contains thymine, a chemical element of the DNA / RNA. This element absorbs UV-C light at a specific wavelength of 253.7 nm and changes to such an extent (formation of thymine dimers) that the cell is no longer capable of multiplying and surviving.
The Process:
• UV-C light at an optimal wavelength of 253.7nm penetrates the cell wall of the micro-organism
• The high energy photons of the UV-C light are absorbed by the cell proteins and DNA / RNA
• UV-C damages the protein structure causing metabolic disruption
• DNA is chemically altered so organisms can no longer replicate
• Organisms are unable to metabolise and replicate. They cannot cause disease or spoilage
This process has a lethal effect on all microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, moulds, yeasts and viruses. Germicidal UV has been used safely and effectively in industry, healthcare, institutions & commercial/domestic premises for more than 100 years.
Ozone effects on specific bateria, viruses and moulds
Bacteria are microscopically small, single-cell creatures having a primitive structure. The bacteria body is sealed by a relatively solid-cell membrane. Ozone interferes with the metabolism of bacterium-cells, most likely through inhibiting and blocking the operation of the enzymatic control system. A sufficient amount of ozone breaks through the cell membrane, and this leads to the destruction of the bacteria.
Viruses are small, independent particles, built of crystals and macromolecules, Unlike bacteria, they multiply only within the host cell. They transform protein of the host cell into proteins of their own. Ozone destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the nucleic acid core, resulting in damage of the viral RNA. At higher concentrations, ozone destroys the capsid, or exterior protein shell by oxidation so DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), or RNA (ribonucleic acid) structures of the microorganism are affected.
As a comparison based on 99.99% of bacterial concentration being killed and time taken, Ozone is:
• 25 times of that of HOCl (Hypochlorous Acid)
• 2,500 times of that of OCl (Hypochlorite)
• 5,000 times of that of NH2Cl (Chloramine)
Further more, ozone is at least 10 times stronger than chlorine as a disinfectant. Chlorine reacts with meat forming highly toxic and carcinogen compounds called THMs or tri-halomethanes – rendering meats lesser quality products. THMs was also implicated as carcinogens in developing kidney, bladder, and colon cancers. Chlorine also results in the production of chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, chloromethane besides THMs. On the other hand, ozone does not even leave any trace of residual product upon its oxidative reaction.

Effect of Ozone on Bacteria
1. Computer generated image of a bacteria cell
2. Close-up of ozone molecule coming into contact with bacterial wall
3. Ozone penetrating and creating hole in bacterial wall
4. Close-up effect of ozone on cell wall
5. Bacterial cell after a few ozone molecules come into contact
6. Destruction of cell after ozone
(cell lysing)

Click the links below to see video about Ultraviolet Light
• How UV works
• Magneto Ultraviolet Germicidal irradiation (UVGI)