FAQS

Answers You Need About UVC Light

WHAT IS UVC LIGHT?

UV-C is one of many electromagnetic frequencies emanating from the sun. Like the sun’s other waveforms, its properties are unique to its wavelength.

UV light, known as ultraviolet light, falls into three different categories (UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C). UV-C has the shortest wavelength out of the three, which is why it is used to disinfect and sanitize. The FDA defines UV-C as any light that falls between 200-280 nanometers (nm). These wavelengths lie within the germicidal range, meaning they effectively kill bacteria and inactivate viruses. There have been studies that prove that the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, can be effectively neutralized by conventional germicidal UV-C light at a wavelength of 254 nm.

IS UVC LIGHT DANGEROUS?

We’re exposed to parts of the UV spectrum while outdoors. Generally, excessive UV exposure can produce adverse effects depending on wavelength, type and duration, and UV response differences between individuals.

Here's more information about the three basic UV wavelengths:

UV-C - includes the germicidal wavelength of 253.7nm and is used for air and water disinfection. Human overexposure causes temporary skin redness and harsh eye irritation, but no permanent damage, skin cancer, or cataracts.

UV-B - is a narrower but more dangerous band of UV. Prolonged exposure has been associated with skin cancer, skin aging, and cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye).

UV-A - is more predominant outdoors than the other two. It helps to tan our skin and is used in medicine to treat certain skin disorders. It is generally a harmless wavelength.

UV-A, B and C will damage collagen fibers and accelerate skin aging. Generally, UV-A is least harmful; UV-B contributes to DNA damage and cancer. It penetrates deeply but does not cause sunburn. Because of no reddening (erythema) it cannot be measured in SPF testing. There’s no good clinical measurement of UV-B blocking, but it is important that sunscreens block both UV-A and B. UV-C however, penetrates superficially and has not been associated with long term tissue effects.

Waviolet plans to avoid these health risks as your skin won’t come into direct contact with the ultraviolet wavelengths. Our product comes with a control button on the top of the UV light box, so you can first leave your items in the box and then close the door without having to worry about being exposed to any radiation.

IS UVC LIGHT SAFE TO USE ON FOOD? WILL IT DAMAGE THE PRODUCT?

UV Light has been used in the food industry for over five decades to kill pathogens and bacteria, with the exception of organic foods.

The FDA approved the use of food irradiation beginning in 1963 for the treatment of yeast and flours to prevent insect contamination. Today, the USDA and FDA regulate food sterilization with UV light on many products including raw poultry, red meats, fruits and vegetables, yeasts and flours and many beverage processing plants for juices and bottled water. Since UV-C light doesn't release any heat, it is a safe way to sanitize food related items.

HOW DO I KNOW IF UVC LIGHT WORKS OR NOT?

Research indicates that, while not visible to the naked eye, UV lights are highly effective in killing bacteria. Having the shortest wavelength of ultraviolet light, UV-C contains the highest concentration of energy. This allows it to effectively inactivate viruses by destroying the molecular bonds that hold the genetic information. Lab tests show that UV-C has been proven to eliminate E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and microorganisms that may cause COVID-19. Doctors have been using UV-C to sanitize surgical instruments and hospital rooms for decades. Waviolet plans on bringing that UV-C technology to your household, where people can use it on a daily basis to decontaminate keys, phones, groceries, and other household items.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF UVC LIGHT?

Sanitizing with UV-C light has been a normal practice since the mid-20th century. In fact, the 1903 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Niels Finsen for using UV light to fight tuberculosis. Today, hospitals and laboratories use UV light to keep their facilities sterile, which means it's perfect for sanitizing mobile devices, which are especially good at harboring and growing bacteria.

HOW CAN I REQUEST A DEMO?

The Lightbox is currently in development. If you would like to be one of the first owners of a Lightbox, subscribe using the form below. You will be added to a wait-list where you will receive updates and be notified when our product is ready for purchase.

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