Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses UVC light to disrupt the cells of organisms that can cause illness or infection. Those with a smaller wavelength are Gamma, X-ray and ultraviolet light.Įach has a different effect on different types of matter, particularly organic matter such as our skin or the cells of viruses and bacteria – this is how UV light has come to be used as a form of disinfectant. Other types of light on the electromagnetic spectrum include radio waves, microwave and infrared light all with a larger wavelength than visible light. Light that falls within these wavelengths is called ‘visible light’ on the electromagnetic (or light) spectrum. Photoreceptors are the types of cells in our eyes that process light, and human photoreceptors can only process light with wavelengths between 380 and 700 nanometres (nm). It is also the determiner of what light we can and cannot see. Wavelength is important as it is used to classify different types of light. Wavelength – the distance between the crests in a wave, andį requency – a measure of how many waves pass a certain point. Waves have the same four fundamental properties of The types of interaction that a light wave can have on an object depends on its properties. It can carry energy and interact with matter. Light is like a wave in the puddle except it moves through air and space. The ripples move outward in waves, but the water droplets aren’t moving outward, they are just moving up and down as the waves of energy pass through the puddle. To best understand it, think about a rock being thrown into a still body of water. This is because it isn’t matter, it’s a form of energy (electromagnetic energy) that exists as waves. We can see it and feel it, but we can’t handle it in the same way as most other things. We can scoop these things up and hold them. Most of the ‘things’ around us exist as a state of matter: solid, liquid, gas or plasma. Light can be difficult to grasp because it’s an intangible thing. To properly comprehend UV light and how it works as a disinfectant, first we need to understand light. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of wave that is produced naturally by the sun, and artificially by using specialised bulbs and lamps. Image Credit: Public Domain from Wikipedia Commons
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