Does UV Light Kill Superbugs Like MRSA?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a powerful form of electromagnetic radiation that occurs naturally from the sun and is replicated in UV lamps.  UV light is emitted at wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum that fall between X-rays and visible light in the range of 10 to 400 nanometer (nm).  UV light is not visible to the human eye as it has a higher frequency and shorter wavelengths that images our brain can perceive. 

UV light is further broken down into UVA, UVB and UVC, with UVC wavelengths being the most powerful for germ killing action.  UVC light has been recognized for centuries as having powerful germicidal properties.  UVC light emitted at precisely 254 nm is known to quickly eradicate viruses and bacteria by penetrating the cells of microorganisms and altering the DNA to prevent replication.  

A cell that cannot replicate poses no threat and is no longer a harmful pathogen.  UVC germicidal lamps are known to effectively eliminate tough viruses, bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even mold, mildew and other harmful microorganisms. UV light is also proven to effectively eliminate some of the toughest superbugs out there like vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), C. difficile, Acinetobacter and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hospitals are using UV light in many types of UV germicidal systems such as in HVAC units for cleaner air and in UVC robots to clean hospital rooms.  UVC radiation is proven effective on superbugs when exposed for the right amount of time, some germs are eradicated in seconds while others require a few minutes of exposure.  

LightSources Offers Effective UVC Germicidal Lamps

LightSources is a world leading supplier of high-quality, high-performance UV lamps including a wide selection of UVC germicidal lamps.  We offer low pressure amalgam lamps, low, medium and high pressure mercury lamps, ozone lamps, soft glass, quartz, and compact lamps.  Consider our quartz sleeves for protection, proprietary technology like Shatter ProTech shatterproof technology or LongLife+™ which extends lamp life up to 16,000 hours. 

LightSources leads the industry with high-tech lamp design and manufacturing including custom lamp engineering to meet your specifications.  We follow a strict quality policy to provide quality products delivered on time.  Contact us to learn more about our UVC germicidal lamp products and technologies. 

Germicidal UVC Lamps Protect Food with Irradiation

Food irradiation has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1963 as a safe method of eliminating foodborne pathogens and controlling spoilage. Food irradiation was first approved by the FDA to eliminate insects in flour and wheat.  The FDA and USDA have since approved UV germicidal food irradiation (UVGI) to treat vegetables, fruits, spices, red meats and raw poultry.

The FDA regulates food irradiation in the United States. UVGI is also endorsed by the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.  Food irradiation provides many benefits in the food and beverage industry with germicidal UVC lamps eliminating harmful microorganisms on food products, surfaces and water/beverage systems.  

What are the Benefits of Food Irradiation?

Food irradiation provides many benefits to the safety of foods such as preserving nutritional value, prolonging shelf life and sterilizing harmful pathogens to reduce health hazards.  Here are some of the most important benefits of UVGI:

• Prevent foodborne illnesses – UVGI is proven to eliminate organisms that cause  Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella

• Foodborne preservation – UV disinfection lamps destroy the organisms that cause decomposition and spoilage which extends the shelf life of many foods

• Insect control – food irradiation safely destroys insects on foods such as tropical fruits which are imported into the U.S. without the use of pesticides that may damage certain fruits 

• Delay ripening and sprouting – UV food irradiation lamps delay the sprouting in potatoes, onions and garlic to increase food longevity

• Sterilization – hospitals use sterilized foods for patients with severe immune deficiency illnesses such as AIDS or people who are receiving chemotherapy treatments

UV light offers these many benefits for food sterilization and is also used in the bottled water industry and food packaging processes.  UV lamps are used to treat surfaces such as conveyor belts, working surfaces and packaging containers. Germicidal UV lamps are highly effective at eliminating harmful pathogens on many food products although safe food handling procedures are still required to protect against foodborne illnesses. 

LightSources Supplies Germicidal UVC Lamps for Food Irradiation

LightSources is a leading supplier of germicidal UVC lamps found in many surface, water and air sterilization systems.  Our highly skilled UV lamp designers and engineers excel with custom designed germicidal solutions to meet specific sterilization requirements.  We understand UV radiation and incorporate the latest technology for longer lasting, more effective UVC lamps which deliver cost saving efficiencies. 

We offer low-pressure mercury and amalgam lamps, medium pressure germicidal UV lamps, specialty lamp components and more.  Our lamps are found worldwide in many commercial, industrial and residential applications. LightSources is committed to research, development and continual improvement, delivering first-to-market, patented UVC germicidal solutions which outlast and outperform comparable lamps.  

The LightSources Group consists of the leading high-tech lamp designers and engineers in the industry, supplying OEM-oriented solutions for germicidal applications worldwide.  We offer a vast product line, as well as prototype and custom designed UV lamp solutions. Contact us for more information on UVC germicidal solutions for any application as well as food irradiation. 

Benefits of UV Curing Polymers

There are a few different methods used for drying polymers in many commercial and industrial applications. Air drying, applying quick drying chemicals and ultraviolet (UV) light are common methods used to dry polymers.  UV curing is becoming more popular as an effective method of curing polymers which provides many benefits. 

UV curing lamps are designed to emit the proper wavelength of UV radiation which causes an instant photochemical reaction to certain polymers. UV light can instantly cure glues, epoxies, polyurethane, lacquers and many polymers. UV curing is  quick and effective providing many cost-saving benefits and advantages over other methods. 

UV Curing Provides Advantages over Other Methods

Instant curing - UV curing is instant, which improves cycle times and alleviates bottlenecks in material flow. Secondary operations and packaging are often a bottleneck area for product movement.  With instant UV curing, products can be cured while moving from one station to another for many cost-saving efficiencies.

Consistent process – UV curing dries polymers instantly for a consistent and reliable process. Unlike air drying, there are no irregularities due to evaporation and no chance of dust particles contaminating surfaces while drying. UV lamps improve product quality for less scrapped and returned product. 

No chemical byproducts - unlike application of chemical drying agents, UV curing does not require the use of toxic chemicals providing a safe work environment.

UV curing lamps are in high demand to improve many commercial and industrial processes. Be sure to work with a reputable UV lamp manufacturer to obtain quality lamps for the best return on your investment.

LightSources Offers Proven UV Curing Solutions

The LightSources Group is a leading manufacturer providing UV lamp solutions to a multitude of industries. Our UV curing lamps are utilized worldwide and are recognized for high quality and longer-lasting performance over comparable products. We provide patented, first to market UV lamp solutions with custom-designed options available.

The LightSources Group is a leading global supplier of high tech lamp and lighting solutions.  We provide first to market, advanced lighting technology with an in-depth knowledge and expertise in UV radiation.  Contact us to learn more about our UV lamp solutions including UV curing lamps.