For nearly a century, scientists have known ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI or UV-C) energy deactivates airborne and surface-bound viruses, mycoplasma, bacteria, and fungi. Light in the 253.7-nm germicidal UV-C wavelength alters the protein structure in pathogens — DNA in bacteria and fungi, RNA in viruses — rendering the cell inactive and unable to replicate.
Through a process known as photodimerization, this genetic damage destroys a cell’s nucleic acids and protein structure by creating dimer lesions that prevent microorganisms from infecting and reproducing (see Figure 1). What’s more, this pathogen-deactivation process takes place without the creation of chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or dangerous byproducts, such as ozone.