UV Disinfection a.k.a. Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. UV has been a known mutagen at the cellular level for more than one-hundred years. The 1903 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Niels Finsen for his use of UV against lupus vulgaris, tuberculosis of the skin. Today, it is used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008" - the wavelength of UV radiation ranges from 328 nm to 210 nm (3280 A to 2100 A). Its maximum bactericidal effect occurs at 240–280 nm. Mercury vapor lamps emit more than 90% of their radiation at 253.7 nm, which is near the maximum microbicidal activity. Inactivation of microorganisms results from destruction of nucleic acid through induction of thymine dimers. UV radiation has been employed in the disinfection of drinking water , air , titanium implants, and contact lenses. Bacteria and viruses are more easily killed by UV light than are bacterial spores.
Vision Building Maintenance is one of the first janitorial companies in Canada that incorporates UV Disinfection in our routine cleaning process. Together with steam cleaning and disinfectants, we believe we have the complete solution in reducing the spread of germs in most medical clinics and offices.
The UV Disinfection device we use is a UV-C light that produces 250nm wavelength of UV radiation. A recent study funded by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epicenters Program and published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (Anderson DH, et al., 2013) shows that UV radiation kills over 98% of bacteria and viruses . It is very safe to use and does not leave any residual or smell. It works well on surfaces that conventional chemical disinfectants do not reach such as keyboards, TV remotes, magazines and toys in medical clinics, doorknobs, etc.
