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Can UV light kill viruses?

UV light serves various functions in our daily lives. It can be used to check whether banknotes are genuine, for example, and ultraviolet light can even purify water. In addition, UV light can fight bacteria and viruses. There are a number of things that you need to pay attention to, however. In this blog, we provide you with as much relevant information about UV light as possible.




What is UV light?


UV lighting

Ultraviolet light (UV) is not visible to the human eye and occurs in different wavelengths (10-400 nanometers). UV light has a shorter wavelength than the light we can see. Ultraviolet light is also more energy-rich and can, for example, trigger a chemical reaction. That is one of the reasons that the radiation of UV light is harmful if you come into contact with it for too long. The products on our website that contain UV light are UVC fluorescent tubes. At Any-Lamp, we stock them in various lengths and wattages.

How does a UVC fluorescent tube work?

 

Almost all fluorescent tubes generate UVC light inside the tube itself. This light comes into contact with a layer of powder on the inside of the tube. In response, the powder fluoresces. When this happens, we immediately see this as bright white light. UVC fluorescent tubes are only made of pure quartz glass because this glass can transmit UVC light well. This is not possible with normal glass.

 


Philips TUV PL-S 9W 2P UV-C | Ultraviolet


  • G23 base (2-Pins)
  • 9,000 hours
  • 9 watts


Philips TUV HO UV-C TL-D 55W G13 | Ultraviolet


  • G13 caps
  • 9,000 hours
  • Disinfection


Philips TUV TL-mini 8W UV-C | Ultraviolet


  • G5 caps
  • 11,000 hours
  • Energy label A


Philips TUV T8 30W UV-C | Ultraviolet


  • G13 caps
  • 9,000 hours
  • 360° beam angle




coronavirus

UV light and viruses


When someone with the flu or a cold sneezes or coughs, many tiny virus droplets enter the air, which can cause an infection. This is also the case with the coronavirus.


For some time, it's been known that UVC light can kill viruses and bacteria that float in the air. But how does that work exactly? Scientifically speaking, UVC light destroys the molecular compounds of organic molecules such as DNA. As a result, the (micro) organism dies. Due to its disinfectant effect, UVC light is used, among other things, to disinfect tools for surgeons. But there is a downside. The radiation from UVC light can be dangerous. For example, your vision can be reduced if your eyes are exposed to it for too long and it also contains cancer-causing substances.







Conclusion


corona banner

Let's be clear and realistic right away: UV lamps do not contribute to the immediate elimination of viruses, such as the coronavirus. We know that UV light can kill virus particles, but at the same time it can damage our health. That’s why, if you are exposed to the coronavirus, it’s not advisable to fight it with UVC lighting. Simply put, the risks outweigh the benefits.


Viruses don’t like sunlight or vitamin D so while that may provide some level of protection, remember that too much exposure to sunlight can also be detrimental to your health. UV light is only suitable for disinfecting water, air and objects, therefore.





 

Lighting from Any-Lamp


Our UVC fluorescent lighting is mainly used in ponds and aquariums. The light purifies the water and kills fungi and bacteria. These fluorescent tubes are usually installed in a light fitting in the water pump, so that the UV light is shielded from the human eye.


Any-Lamp has a wide and varied range of conventional and LED lighting from various top brands. Thanks to our sustainable LED lighting, many customers save up to 70% in energy costs every month. We also saved thousands of tons of CO2 emissions together with our customers last year. We are here for everyone! In good times and bad. What can we do for you?




LED Spotlights


  • Flexible and stylish
  • Good colour reproduction
  • Different sizes


LED Lights


  • Different caps/bases
  • Durable
  • Up to 90% energy savings


LED Panels


  • Up to 60% energy savings
  • Up to 70,000 hours
  • High-quality light


LED Tubes


  • 2700K - 6500K
  • 30 - 150 cm
  • Up to 50,000 hours