It is well known that solar radiation, due to UV (ultra-violet) radiation being in the spectrum of solar rays, has an obstructive effect on infection.
UV- C radiation destroys the genetic structure of microorganisms and inhibits their ability to replicate thus causing their death. In nature germicidal ultraviolet is a part of the sun's radiation however, most germicidal radiation (UV-C) does not reach earth.
Modern technologies can be used to convert electrical power into germicidal ultraviolet radiation (UV-C Rays) in an efficient manner. These technologies generate UV-C radiation, which can be used to inactivate microorganisms by destroying DNA.
UV radiation can be divided into the following three parts:
1) UVA radiation which reaches the surface of the Earth as a part of solar radiation. It causes different photochemical processes, its embrowning effect is perceptible, but does not burn the skin. Its sphere of application is cosmetic industry. UVA radiation permeates through glass.
2)Â UVB rays have embrowning, pigmentary effect and contribute to formation of vitamin D in our organism. This radiation is used for therapeutic radiation treatment. Its intensity is lower at sea level than in high mountains. This explains the fact that the same amount of solar radiation in the mountains will cause more powerful browning. This radiation permeates through the air-space of the Earth but does not permeate through glass.
3) UVC short-wave radiation covers the biggest part of UV radiation. It has strong antiseptic, bactericidal effect. This wave-length is absorbed by cell-building materials which are shattered at the same time. Researches have proved that bactericidal effect is attributable to that part (UVC part) of solar radiation which has a wave-length under 320 nm, and which kills viruses, bacteria, micro-organisms, saccharomyces. In 1878 it was discovered by Downes and Blunt that growth of micro-organisms can be stopped entirely as a result of solar radiation. Following researches have proved that the most powerful effect of this kind is provided by rays having a wave-length between 250-270 nm. When a cell is subjected to UVC radiation then selective changes will occur in certain groups of molecules of nucleic acid, which will terminate transfer of information and with this it will terminate copying of DNS. In a protozoan only one copy of DNS exists, and when it is ruined, the micro-organism, the bacterium, the virus is destroyed, because the absorbed energy hinders cell division in the photochemical process of inheritance, resulting in destruction of the micro-organism.
Artificial production of UVC has been possible for a long time. The antiseptic effect of it is used in various ways for disinfecting air, water and different surfaces.
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