6th May 2013

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light at sufficiently short wavelength to kill microorganisms and is used in food, air and water purification. It destroys the nucleic acids in micro-organisms, disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

The wavelength of UV that causes this effect is rare on Earth as the atmosphere blocks it and I guess there is a reason for it. These rays are harmful to us as well which is why all sun blocks and sunglasses block out UV rays and which is why the hole in the ozone layer is a cause of worry for us.