How long does it take for an ultraviolet lamp to kill bacteria?

Ultraviolet lamps are very effective in killing bacteria. In daily life, you can buy ultraviolet lamps to achieve the effect of killing bacteria. As for how long it takes to kill the bacteria, it depends on the specific sterilization object. Some simpler bacteria and viruses can be killed in just tens of seconds, but if you want to sterilize bedding, it will take a longer time. In addition, for some bacteria in the air, the ultraviolet sterilization time will also be longer.

How long does it take for UV light to kill bacteria?

Generally speaking, as long as the ultraviolet light intensity is within the range, the ultraviolet light can kill the absorbed viruses in a few seconds. Some bacteria and viruses may take more than ten seconds to kill.

Currently, ultraviolet sterilization lamps all use gas discharge lamps. This type of ultraviolet lamp has a startup time, which generally takes 3-5 minutes to achieve the best sterilization effect, so normal sterilization requires more than 5 minutes.

If you are disinfecting the surface of an object, such as drying quilts or kitchen utensils, it is best to disinfect them within 15-30 minutes.

If you want to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, the disinfection time should be controlled between 30-120 minutes depending on the area of ​​the room.

In addition, ultraviolet lamps are harmful to human eyes and skin. People and pets must stay away when using them and cannot be exposed to ultraviolet rays. Even some shade-loving plants, calligraphy and paintings, and other items that are sensitive to ultraviolet rays need to be shielded from light.

Usage

Since ultraviolet rays can penetrate cells and cause them to die, care must be taken when using ultraviolet rays for disinfection not to directly irradiate human skin, especially the eyes. Do not look directly at the lamp when the ultraviolet germicidal lamp is on. Since short-wave ultraviolet rays cannot pass through ordinary glass, wearing glasses can avoid eye damage. If your eyes are accidentally injured, it is generally not a serious problem, just like being burned by the sun. In severe cases, you can use eye drops or human milk to help recovery. Do not use ozone lamps in places where people are present, as high ozone concentrations can cause poisoning.

Scope of application

Ultraviolet disinfection and sterilization are widely used in hospitals, schools, nurseries, cinemas, buses, offices, homes, etc. It can purify the air and eliminate musty odors. In addition, it can also produce a certain amount of negative oxygen ions. The air in the room disinfected by ultraviolet rays is particularly fresh. In public places, ultraviolet disinfection can prevent some germs from spreading through the air or on the surface of objects.

As the market changes, customers' requirements for products continue to increase. Now all UV lamp manufacturers are developing long-life lamps, such as the cold cathode series, UV lamps with outer diameters of 4, 5, 6, 10, and 12 mm.