What to Look For in a UV Light Sanitizer

People need workplaces, schools, and other social facilities to be clean, safe, and comfortable spaces. In such close quarters, there is always the risk of infections from germs. UV sanitizers provide disinfection and sterilization solutions that help you create sanitary spaces.

Where Can You Use UV Sanitizers?

Ultraviolet light (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation. UV-C has the shortest wavelength of all UV rays and is used for disinfection. It damages the DNA in microbes, killing them instantly or preventing their functioning and further reproduction.

Ultraviolet-powered sanitizers can be used as an alternative infection control strategy by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces. The efficiency of ultraviolet sanitizers makes spaces safer and more comfortable and accessible.

UV sanitizers are primarily used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Keeping these places clean and pathogen-free is part of the infection control strategy and is key to stopping the spread of diseases. The technology used in these disinfectants offers standards that cannot be achieved through manual cleaning, making it an invaluable tool in hospital cleaning and disinfection activities.

Recent uses include schools, workplaces, and other social places that support gathering. Home usage has increased with the production of safer and more portable UV sanitizer devices. When looking for the best UV sterilizer, consider what meets your needs. Size is not a factor in the device’s effectiveness.

UV Sanitizers and COVID-19

The CDC suggests that UV-C radiation can be effective on other types of coronaviruses, though there needs to be more information to determine the wavelength, dose, and exposure time needed for UV-C to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Investigate any product that claims to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus by counter-checking with the FDA.

Factors To Consider in UV Sanitizers

Material Safety

UV-C wavelengths used in these sanitizers are powerful and pose radiation risks. UV-C can also cause sunburn, leading to skin cancer in extensive exposure. Human and animal safety is primary when installing and configuring the product. Use protective gear and take extra care not to expose humans and animals. Look for instructions and usage guidelines to determine if the product is safe.

UV LED Light Types and Numbers

Do not focus on any exact number, but consider a product with enough LED lights. Larger ultraviolet sanitizers have more UV lights for more effective disinfection and sterilization. UV light sanitizers with mercury or LED bead bulbs are more effective.

Certification and Approval Rate

Buy products with higher approval rates. Certification from regulating bodies like the FDA and EPA is also evidence that the product is safe and effective.

UV Sanitizer Efficacy

Compare different types of ultraviolet light sanitizers, and double-check claims from brands that guarantee up to 99% efficacy. Countercheck to see if the figures are backed by evidence or customer approval. Choose a product with up to 99.9% efficacy for better sterilization and disinfection.

Effectiveness on Viruses

Time and intensity determine the effectiveness of any ultraviolet light sanitizer. High-intensity UV lights take less time to disinfect and sterilize spaces. Low-intensity products may take longer to achieve the same level of sterilization. Depending on the size of the spaces you want to clean, buying a higher-power or high-intensity sanitizer helps you save time.

You must also understand how different brands perform in inactivating viruses and their limitations on different bacteria and viruses:

• Dose and duration of exposure: Home UV light sanitizers are mainly low-intensity, requiring more time or extended exposure to be more effective.
• Direct exposure: UV-C radiation is only effective on viruses through direct exposure.

Advantages of UV Sanitizers

Disinfecting wipes use chemical solutions that need time to sanitize objects and surfaces, unlike UV sanitizers, which offer instant results. UV-C sterilizers are also effective against all pathogens and can produce up to 99.99% disinfection. UV products are superior because they are non-thermal and eliminate the need for chemical-based disinfection strategies.

Use Care When Choosing UV Light Sanitizers

When buying a UV light sanitizer, consider the light type used. Some manufacturers promise to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses but fail to meet the threshold. The most reputable manufacturers offer improved efficiency and safety in UV sanitizers, making them powerful tools for disinfecting and sterilizing workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship.