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Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)
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Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is
a method that uses (UV) light at sufficiently short
wavelength to break down micro-organisms. It is used
in a variety of applications, such as food purification,
air purification and water purification. UV has been
a known mutagen at the cellular level for more than
100 years. The 1903 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded
to Neils Finsen for his use of UV against tuberculosis.
A common example of UVGI is the sterilization tank
used in barbershops to disinfect combs and brushes.
UVGI utilises the short wavelength of UV that is harmful to forms of life at the micro-organic level. It is effective in destroying the nucleic acids in these organisms so that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation, which is a form of ionising radiation. This removes their reproductive capabilities and/or kills them.
The wavelength of UV that causes this effect is rare
on Earth as its atmosphere blocks it. Using a UVGI
device in certain environments like circulating air
or water systems creates a deadly effect, or purification,
on micro-organisms such as pathogens, viruses and
molds that are in these environments. Coupled with
a filtration system, UVGI can remove harmful micro-organisms
from these environments.
The application of UVGI to sterilization has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. Increasingly it was employed to sterilize drinking and wastewater, as the holding facilities were enclosed and could be circulated to ensure a higher exposure to the UV. In recent years UVGI has found renewed application in air sanitation.
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