UV light is a reliable, well-studied antimicrobial technology. It works primarily by destroying the DNA inside bacteria, viruses and fungi. The high-energy portion of the UV spectrum called UV-C is most effective. UV-C light has been used for decades to disinfect healthcare facilities, industrial surfaces and sanitize drinking water.
Most disinfectants use chemicals to inactivate bacteria and viruses on surfaces. UV-C inactivates microorganisms by absorption of radiated electro-magnetic energy which causes a photo chemical reaction that alters the molecular components essential to cell function. The light energy penetrates the cell wall causing pyrimidine molecules such as thymine in the DNA to cross link forming a dimer. A dimer impedes the nucleic acids functions and prevents the organisms ability to continue cell metabolism, resulting in cell death.
