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Did you know that between 2000 and 2015, the worldwide use of antibiotics in humans increased by 65%? Moreover, experts project it to grow further by 200% between 2015 and 2030.
So, it’s no wonder that antibiotic-resistant infections have become more prevalent. In the U.S. alone, 2.8 million cases occur every year. Worse, they claim the lives of over 35,000 people.
The good news is that UV-C light can defeat many resistant germs.
But what exactly is UV-C? How does it even fight off antibiotic-resistant infections?
Keep reading, and we’ll tell you the answers below.
What Is UV-C Light?
UV-C is one of three forms of ultraviolet radiation; the other two are UV-A and UV-B radiation. You most likely know UV-A and UV-B from sunlight, which experts link to most skin cancers. That’s because they can damage the human skin and its DNA cells.
UV-C is also in sunlight, but it doesn’t reach the earth because the ozone layer blocks it. However, you can find it in artificial lights and lamps.
Like UV-A and UV-B, UV-C also carries enough energy to damage cells. The chief difference is that UV-C in artificial lights destroys the DNA of pathogens.
How Does It Work?
UV-C is a well-known disinfectant that can reduce the spread of pathogens. Pathogens, in turn, are disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria, molds, parasites, and viruses.
The short-wavelength light that UV-C produces can damage the cells of such pathogens. That renders the cells unable to reproduce. The light can even be potent enough to kill their cells, leading to the death of the pathogens themselves.
A recent FDA guide also noted that UV-C could destroy parts of the SARS-Coronavirus. That ultimately leads to the pathogen’s inactivation. Thus, the agency reported that it could also work against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Which Antibiotic-Resistant Infections Can It Combat?
Cleaning and disinfecting with UV-C light can reduce antibiotic-resistant virus and bacteria transmission. One study noted it may control the spread of infectious diseases from four “superbugs.” These include the following:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
- C. difficile
- Acinetobacter
The study found the UVC device used emitted a dose enough to kill the bacteria. It killed them by disrupting the molecular bonds holding their DNA together.
Who Can Use UV-C Lights?
Clinics, hospitals, and healthcare facilities have utilized UV-C lights for over a decade. However, commercial buildings can now use UV-C lamps by installing them in an HVAC system. Kahnmechanical.com has more information on UV-based health solutions for HVAC units.
You can also get UV-C germicidal lights installed in your residential HVAC system.
Just keep in mind that as beneficial as UV-C lamps are, mishandling them can lead to safety risks. In addition, their improper installation can impact their effectiveness. Therefore, it’s best to hire an HVAC professional to install these lights on your property.
Use UV-C to Make Your Space Safer
Remember: Antibiotic-resistant infections can be deadly. At the very least, they can make you very ill. That’s enough reason always to clean, sanitize, and disinfect your space, be it your home or office.
So, why not consider investing in UV-C light technology now? The sooner you do, the sooner you can mitigate the risks of deadly infections.
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