Using UV LEDs for Disinfection

You may know the main source of UV radiation as the sun, but there are also manufactured sources of UV radiation, including LEDs.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is divided in three sections, depending on the wavelength: UV-A (315-400 nm), UV-B (280-315 nm), and UV-C (100-280 nm). Depending on the wavelengths, their application areas are different:

UV-A Applications

• Horticulture
• Security and counterfeit detection
• Curing applications

UV-B Applications

• Horticulture
• Treating vitamin D deficiency
• Phototherapy

UV-C Applications

• Surface disinfection
• Air purification
• Water disinfection

UV-C for disinfection

Especially UV-C radiation is interesting for disinfection purposes such as Corona virus inactivation.

UV-C disinfection is based on the fact that UV-C radiation damages DNA and inhibits the proliferation of bacterial, fungal, plant and animal cells. In a similar mechanism, UV light damages the RNA of viruses, which renders them inactive. The more damage caused to the RNA, the less the virus can infect other organisms. Different wavelengths of UV-C are more effective in inducing DNA/RNA damage than other wavelengths. According to studies, a wavelength of 260nm is more effective than other wavelengths in the UV-C. Nonetheless, the wavelength of 275nm is suitable for disinfection such as deactivating Corona viruses and is currently often the best wavelength for achieving disinfection as 275nm LEDs have a higher optical power output (radiant flux) and are therefore often the best solution for disinfection.

For more information on using UV-C for disinfection you can watch our webinar, UV LEDs for Disinfection or read the Application Note Disinfection with UV-C LEDs.

Safety

UV-C light has proven beneficial for cleaning and disinfecting, but it also poses some danger to humans. Eyes and skin can be affected by all types of UV radiation, but UV-C is particularly damaging. It is important to wear protective equipment when working with UV-C and you should attach warning labels to any applications. Not following safety protocols can quickly result in damage to the skin.