UV Sterilization: Inactivating Animal Viruses - A Scientific Overview

Ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization can inactivate potentially harmful microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. An appropriate wavelength and intensity of UV light renders animal viruses incapable of infecting cells.

Definitions

• The wavelength of UV light ranges from 40 to 400 nm, according to the Health Physics Society. UV wavelengths are shorter than those of visible light but longer than x-ray wavelengths.

  A virus is a packet of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, that invades a living cell and uses the cell to replicate itself. Animal viruses include viruses that can infect any member of the animal kingdom, including humans.

Function

• A high enough dosage of UV light sterilizes animal viruses by damaging the DNA or RNA. The damaged genetic material cannot reproduce, which prevents the virus from infecting any more cells. The National Center for Environmental Research has found that UV sterilization effectively inactivates viruses.

Warning

• At the wavelengths used to inactivate viruses, UV light can injure eyes and burn skin. Anyone working in an area that uses UV sterilization must take precautions to prevent injury.