We’re all familiar with prismatic materials producing beautiful rainbow light from sunrays. Very close to rainbow light but invisible to us are IR and UV (infra-red and ultraviolet) rays. Although invisible, both have quantifiable effects to us and scientific value. Infrared, normally considered harmless to humans, has a quality of warmth (amongst others) that is utilized in analysis and detection.
UV light - a natural cleanser
Ultraviolet light has a natural ability to cleanse and sterilize. In excess, it is harmful: we mostly know of the need for UV blocking lotion. This light is subdivided into three specific types each having a shorter wavelength– UV-A, UV-B and, for our purposes, the all important UV-C.
UV-A is closest to violet and can penetrate the earth’s atmosphere giving us a suntan but not sunburn. It is the least harmful, but in excess, it is considered to cause premature aging of skin, some DNA damage and is linked to skin cancer. It penetrates deeply and does not cause sunburn though it obviously needs to be blocked. It is used for some skin problems and in sun-tanning equipment.
UV-B useful in skin disease treatment
UV-B has a shorter wavelength and is also useful in treatment of some skin diseases. It induces the production of the important vitamin D in the skin. However, in excess, the UV radiation has an ionizing effect on skin molecules. As such, it has been linked to the cause of melanomas and other forms of skin cancer.
UV-C - the germicidal UV radiation
UV-C is often called “shortwave” UV and is often referred to as the germicidal UV radiation. It is used with good effect to destroy and eliminate biological
contaminants from the air, in foods and liquids. This sterilization is brought about by the shortwave ultraviolet light piercing the outer membrane of microbes and radically changing the DNA, which results in its death. Some of the common microbes destroyed are viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew, yeast, algae and many more besides.
UV light rays wipe out 98% of these harmful contaminants
A sufficiently powerful beam of UV radiation eradicates many of the causes of any amount of health problems from serious diseases to a hard-to-identify feeling of malaise. The reason why a UV air purifier is so useful is because it attacks and destroys the most common allergens and pathogens. These include the cold virus, flu, molds, Legionnaires Disease, anthrax, salmonella, e coli, staph, tuberculosis, smallpox and many more. Unpleasant, musty odors of mildew, mold are also eliminated....and did you know that:
Research indicates that around 98% of these harmful contaminants are wiped out on contact with the UV light rays used by today’s air cleaners. Each time the air re-circulates, so more and more are removed. Even that remaining 2% gets reduced to more and more through continued circulation.