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Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light is known for its high rates of efficacy in microorganism reduction.1 But how does its use produce such thorough disinfections? The following is a closer look at the efficacy properties of UV-C light.
UV-C Light and disinfection
Ultraviolet (UV) light is used in environmental disinfection, often as a complement to manual cleaning methods. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is the use of UV light for the inactivation of:
- bacteria
- fungi
- mold spores2
While different types of UV light can be used for UVGI, UV-C light (or UV light at wavelengths between 200 and 280 nanometers [nm]) has been found to have a higher rate of disinfection efficacy when compared to other forms.3 4
UV-C light requires comparatively lower doses (than other forms of UV light) to produce germicidal results.5 This effectiveness is especially pronounced in UV-C light at wavelengths of 254 nm.6
Efficacy of 254 nm UV-C Light
254 nm UV-C light has been associated with over 3-log reductions of selected microorganisms.7 This represents an inactivation rate of these organisms of over 99.9%.
Similarly, 254nm UV-C light has displayed an inactivation effect on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These studies have revealed over 4-log to over 6-log reductions, representing an inactivation rate of over 99.99% to over 99.9999%. 8 9
UVD Robots for Higher Efficacy
UVD Robots are a series of UV disinfection robots developed by Blue Ocean Robotics, a Danish company that manufactures mobile robots for the service industry.
These robots are mobile and self-driving. They use 254nm UV-C light to inactivate microorganisms, such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Escherichia coli and
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
at over 3-log to over 6-log reductions, or over 99.9% to over 99.9999%.10 11
Summary
Environmental disinfection methods include manual cleaning which can be combined with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, or UVGI. It is a process that uses UV light - such as 254nm UV-C light - for disinfection.
UVD Robots are self-driving robotic units that utilize 254 nm UV-C light. When used in conjunction with manual cleaning, they can achieve over 6-log reductions of certain microorganisms in indoor environments, representing an efficacy rate of over 99.9999%.