What is Ultraviolet (UV) light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light represents a portion of the sun’s electromagnetic spectrum. It is the wavelength band immediately beyond the violet end of visible light. The UV range of the spectrum is characterized by wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm). It includes the long-wave UV-A (315 to 400 nm), which causes suntan (or burn), medium-wave UV-B, (280 to 315 nm) used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, and short-wave UV-C (100 to 280 nm) otherwise known as Germicidal UV.
What is Germicidal UV (UV-C)?
Germicidal UV (UV-C) is a term used to describe UV-C. UV-C is short-ultraviolet radiation in the “C” band of 100 to 280 nm. The germicidal range (180 nm to 280 nm) is lethal to harmful microorganisms.
How does Germicidal UV (UV-C) kills germs?
UV-C light is Germicidal – (i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease). Specifically, Germicidal UV (UV-C) light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevent the DNA from being unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable to reproduce. In fact, when the organism tries to replicate, it dies.
What can Purify-One’s Germicidal UV (UV-C) kill?
Purify-One’s Germicidal UV (UV-C) effectively kills 99.9% of all viruses, bacteria and mold.
The following is a partial list of pathogens killed by Germicidal UV (UV-C) and some of the diseases they cause: Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, Influenza (Flu), Pneumonia, Meningitis, Common Cold, Measles, HIV, Strep, Staph, MRSA, E. Coli, Anthrax, Avian (Bird) Flu
Is Germicidal UV (UV-C) safe?
Yes! Purify-One devices, when used as directed, are completely safe. Care must be taken to avoid prolonged direct exposure of the light to skin and eyes as temporary irritation may result. Careful responsible use will result in total safety.
How are Purify-One’s Germicidal UV (UV-C) devices used?
Purify-One’s devices are used in a variety of applications depending on the needs of the individual, including but not limited to hospitals, hospitality, homes, classrooms, day-to-day life, as well as in restaurants and retail establishments.
Put simply, wherever the “Peace of Mind” of having a healthy environment is paramount, you can find a Purify-One device.
How often do the devices and or LED lights need to be replaced?
Purify-One devices utilize best-in-class LED components, proudly assembled by hand in the USA! As a result, our devices offer an industry-leading lifespan of 50,000 hours or ten years of continuous use, with no notable degradation in strength over the life of the unit.
Should the LED lights be cleaned?
Yes – depending on the application, Purify-One’s UV-C LED lights should be checked periodically (approximately every six months), and can be cleaned with a soft, dry cotton cloth.
Will prolonged exposure to UV-C light harm me?
Prolonged, direct exposure to UV-C light can cause temporary skin redness and eye irritation but does not cause skin cancer or cataracts. If you are exposed to direct germicidal light, it can burn the top surface of your skin. If your eyes are exposed, it would be similar to a “welder’s flash”, and your eyes can feel dry or gritty. At no time has Germicidal UV (UV-C) been shown to cause any permanent damage.
Purify-one devices are designed and clinically tested with safety in mind! Our devices (when used as directed) do not allow for exposure to UV irradiation.
Can Germicidal UV (UV-C) penetrate surfaces or substances?
No – Germicidal UV (UV-C) disinfects only what it comes in contact with.
How do you determine the coverage area of the device?
This is determined by the strength of the LED light. Generally speaking Purify-One’s devices have been shown to be effective with approximately 5 seconds of continuous exposure at a distance of 8 inches from the targeted surface or object. Specific guidelines for maximizing the effectiveness of your device will be outlined in your operation manual and specification sheet.
What safety precautions should be taken when using Germicidal UV (UV-C)?
Purify-One (as part of your device purchase) provides a pair of safety gloves and protective glasses. It is recommended these are used while utilizing the device.