Advantages and Disadvantages of Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer 

Living a healthy life is the core objective of every individual and family. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, things have become worse than ever before. People are finding ways to fight against this virus for keeping themselves and their families safe. An ultraviolet light sanitizer is one of the latest inventions in this regard. It doesn’t only kill coronavirus, but also other germs and bacteria. UVC technology can inactivate harmful microorganisms inexpensively and easily. This article covers some key advantages and disadvantages of this technology. 

What is an Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer? 

UV or ultraviolet light sanitizers have emerged as a new tool for disinfecting germs and viruses on different surfaces. However, ultraviolet technology is not new. It has been in use for decades in many consumer devices. But, due to the recent safety concerns developed with the outbreak of coronavirus, this technology has started to become more popular. These man-made sanitizers use ultraviolet light as opposed to the traditional hand sanitizers that use liquid or foam soaps. You cannot use UV light sanitizers on your skin. 

The uses for ultraviolet disinfection include: 

• Air disinfection
• Surface disinfection 
• Wastewater disinfection 
• Food disinfection 
• Equipment disinfection 

This technology is used by hospitals, supermarkets, universities and schools, offices, gyms, and transportation, etc. An ultraviolet light sanitizer is an electrical device that runs on a DC battery and needs very little current to work. 

Pros and Cons of Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer 

UV light sanitizers generally deploy either LEDs or lamps as a source of light. Currently, the highly adapted light source is the mercury lamp because of its improved power output and low production cost. However, UV LEDs are also popular because of their smaller size, longer lifetime, and adoption flexibility. Let’s go through some advantages and advantages of UV light sanitizers. 

Pros: 

1. DisinfectionEfficiency

Both UVC lamps and LEDs are effective in terms of killing viruses and bacteria. They can diminish the pathogen of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 with reasonable ultraviolet exposure time and intensity. Ultraviolet mercury lamps have a low price and improved optical power which makes them a major UVC disinfection product. Many manufacturers have increased their production capacity of ultraviolet mercury lamps due to the rising requirements for disinfection. 

On the other hand, LED ultraviolet light sanitizer manufacturers have enhanced their ultraviolet technology. You can find many brands producing UVC LEDs featuring improved power output and advanced efficiency. Therefore, greater disinfection efficiency is a major advantage that comes with modern-day UV light sanitizers. 

2. Application Flexibility

An ultraviolet light sanitizer is a compact device that you can use easily to disinfect different things and surfaces. LEDs are a better choice than large ultraviolet mercury lamps because of their application flexibility. If you are looking for a sanitizer to disinfect portable products, then a UV LED light sanitizer is an ideal choice. You can use ultraviolet LED light sanitizers to disinfect appliances, such as air conditioners, washing machines, or air purifiers. 

UV LEDs can fully work once you turn them on and you don’t require preheating. On the other hand, mercury lamps take around 10 – 30 minutes to deliver the needed ultraviolet dose for sterilization. Therefore, the design flexibility of these sanitizers is a great advantage. 

3. You Don’t Need to Touch the Surface

A big advantage of using UV light sanitizer is that there is no need to touch the surface. All you need is to simply throw light on the surface or illuminate the surface using the light sanitizer. Because you are not touching the surface, so there will be no chance of you getting any germ or virus from the surface. 

4. They Are Fast

Disinfecting germs and viruses through a UV light sanitizer is fast. The disinfection time depends on the UV light intensity and target distance. Normally, a high-quality sanitizer takes approximately ten seconds to kill bacterium at a six inches distance. 

5. Convenience

Disinfecting bacterium through an ultraviolet light sanitizer is very convenient as compared to other cleaning products. An electric sanitizer blasting an area with light is much more convenient than repetitively burning and acquiring with consumable cleaning products. Ultraviolet sanitizer design is pretty simple, so anyone can easily operate this device. 

6. Can be Controlled Remotely

Some UV light lamps feature wireless control. Normally, you can control them from a 20-meter distance using its remote control. Therefore, you can conveniently control your UV lamp from any other room of your home. It is also possible to increase or decrease the light intensity. 

7. Replaceable Tubes

The best part is that most of the UV light sanitizers come with replaceable tubes. Hence, if the old tube malfunctions, you can easily replace it with a new one. It means you don’t have to buy a new device which means saving a lot of money. 

Cons: 

1. Safety

UVC light sanitizers kill the virus, but they can also be dangerous in a way. Direct exposure to ultraviolet light can damage your eye and skin. Therefore, you must avoid direct contact with UV light with your skin and eye. It is strictly important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines that come with the product. 

2. They Can Be Expensive

One downside of these sanitizers is that they are expensive than the typical sanitizer. A high-quality UV light sanitizer can cost you $1000 to $1300, which is much higher than traditional sanitizers. You may find a cheap price sanitizer from a normal brand, but it won’t be as effective as you like it to be. 

3. They do not Sterilize Hands

The COVID-19 pandemic has made people more concerned about sterilizing their hands and other parts of the skin. Unfortunately, a UV light sanitizer doesn’t serve this purpose. Getting in contact with ultraviolet light can damage your skin. If you want to sterilize parts of your skin, then this product is not for you. 

4. Training Is Required

Some training is needed to train yourself or workers if you are planning to switch to UV light sanitizers from the typical units. For instance, you need to make sure that you are using the sanitizer from the right distance. It is also important to follow the right exposure time for application. If you are not using it appropriately, then you will not get the desired results. 

After comparing the pros and cons of UV light sanitizers, you will be able to decide whether to opt for an ultraviolet light sanitizer or a typical unit.  

 

Buying Guidelines 

When buying UV light sanitizers, you need to make sure that you are purchasing the right product. First of all, you have to choose between the UV LEDs and UV lamps. If you want a compact option that you can easily move from one place to another, then opt for the UV LEDs. The ultraviolet LEDs are compact and can easily be carried from room to room. However, if you want to disinfect one specific area, then you can choose UV lamps.  

After deciding on the type, you must make sure that you are about to purchase a high-quality UV light sanitizer. You should prefer buying your product from a reputable brand. Remember that a high-quality UV light sanitizer may be expensive, but it will have a long lifespan. This means that a high-quality ultraviolet light sanitizer is a cost-effective option in the long run.  

If you are not sure, then you can share your requirements with the seller so that they can help you choose the right product. We hope this guide helps you clear your concept about UV light sanitizers. 

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