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Ultraviolet light is part of the light spectrum between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm), just below the violet end of the visible spectrum. Ultraviolet light is classified into three categories:
Within UVC, wavelengths from 200nm to 280nm are known as the “germicidal range”. Specifically, 253.7nm is generally accepted as the apex of this range. |
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Germicidal ultraviolet (UVC) light kills cells by damaging their DNA. The light initiates a reaction between two molecules of thymine, one of the bases that make up DNA. UV light at this wavelength (UVC) causes adjacent thymine molecules on DNA to dimerize. The resulting thymine dimer is very stable. If enough of these defects accumulate on a microorganism's DNA its replication is inhibited, thereby rendering it harmless. The principle of design is based on a
product of time and intensity - you must have specified
levels of both for successful sterilization. Our Smart UV
Technology delivers 16,000 mWs/cm2 throughout the enclosure,
thus eliminating 95% to 99.9% of E. coli., Staphylococci,
Salmonella, Streptococcus, Influenza, Hepatitis and many
other pathogens. |
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UV light sterilization is widely used in air and water purification, food processing and packaging, medical packaging, and increasingly, in home products such as toothbrush and surface sterilizers. The Centers for Disease Control recommends UV light sterilization with HEPA filtration for air purification in hospitals, businesses and homes. |
Until recently, UVC was produced from large fluorescent or Low Pressure type bulbs. These bulky items are great for a large light distribution over a large area, for example a hospital air purification unit, but with a minimum length of about 5 inches they are too large for small household products. Recently, many manufacturers have begun producing LED type bulbs which can produces ultraviolet light as well as Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps, which are smaller than the old Low Pressure bulbs. Many are focused on the 400nm range, for novelty purposes (UVA). Many others are providing germicidal range of UV light. Specifically, there are multiple manufacturers producing bulbs that deliver high energy as 253.7nm UVC ultraviolet light. These bulbs are responsible for the growth of ultraviolet “micro sterilizers” as popularized for toothbrush sterilizers. This small size and high efficiency also means that AA, AAA, or 9V batteries can power these bulbs.
Smart Products’ UV Light Technology will kill 95% to 99.9% of the following pathogens.
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Bacteria |
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Viruses |
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Yeasts |
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