These are my findings along with the cheapest and most effective method of sanitization and protection against many kinds of Virus and Bacteria, including Corona Virus (COVID-19) with the help of Ultra Violet – “C” Band (UV-C) Light.
In natural sunlight UV light is present because of electromagnetic radiation of the Sun but it reaches the Earth 10-15% Max. If we analyze the UV light present in the sunlight on the earth, we will find ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B (UVA and UVB) rays with very little amount of UV-C. These ultraviolet rays are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun. UVA and UVB rays affect the skin of those who are sensitive to sun exposure in different ways.
Refer to the details of Light Spectrum. Here, we are considering the UV-C. The UV segment has four sections labeled as:
- UV–A (400 to 315 nm)
- UV-B (315 to 280 nm)
- UV–C (280 to 200 nm), Very High and Destructive Energy
- UV (Vacuum)
How this Works? आओ इसका पता लगाएं !
UV–C light is a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that breaks apart germ’s DNA helix, leaving it unable to function or reproduce. In other words, UV–C light is germicidal whereas UV-A and UV-B light are not germicidal. Here you can see the effect of UV-C on DNA helix.
Ultraviolet – C rays can damage the DNA and RNA of the microorganism, making them lose their ability to reproduce thereby dying and achieving the effect of sterilization.
This type of sterilization works on many other kinds of bacteria, refer to the picture below:
Is there any Risk of Ultraviolet Rays? आओ इसका पता लगाएं !
The effect of UV-C on the Skin or Human body depends on the time of exposure and it may cause painful burns. If we see UV-C rays directly, it may cause temporary damage to the cornea which is also known as a carcinogen for the skin. Sometimes, this exposure may cause acute or long-term damage to the skin depending on human beings.
Usage of UV-C and Safety Measures:
As of now, we know that the Ultra Violet Sanitization is one of the effective, economical, and convenient method. By using this method of sanitization continually, we have to take some safety measures as listed below:
- Use UV-C rays in the enclosure wherever possible. For the enclosure, you can use Wooden Box, Table Drawer, Cupboard, Almirah, Refrigerator, Oven, and many other Home Appliances either working or non- working OR Scrap /Junk appliances.
- Keep the door of appliances closed when UV-C light is on or in working condition.
- Do not look at UV-C light directly with your naked eyes.
- If you can’t enclose or restrict the UV-C working area, you can wear protective eyeglasses and gloves. Also, cover your naked arm and neck.
UV-C Device/Gadgets! आओ इसको देख्ने !
Now, as you know the way to kill the coronavirus (COVID-19), there are a variety of gadgets and devices available in the market for UV-C Sterilization start from 500 to 25,000 rupees depending on the size, application, and location. Refer to the images of some devices below:
UV-C CFL Tube Lamps are available of different wattage depending upon the area that needs to be sanitized.
UV-C LEDs are available to use in many kinds of electronic devices and are also used for curing adhesives.
UV-C T5 type Tube Lamp fittings are available to sanitize the bigger area like Offices, Hospitals during the night time, or at break time.
Enclosed Oven type appliances are also available for safe sanitization of small types of daily used Gadgets like Mobile Phones, Keys, Watches, Sun Glasses, Pen, Belt, Face Mask, and many more.
Handy Mobile Devices are also available for Quick Use of sanitization wherever you go. These devices are battery operated with standard charging. You can use your Mobile Phone Charger or power bank or any USB port available in your car or laptop.
Here, with all my experience, I am suggesting the cheapest and effective UV-C sanitization method, with the help of a very common UV-C Lamp. This lamp is easily available in the market and costs around 125 -150 rupees. Take a look at UV-C Lamp images as below:
This kind of UV-C Lamp you can glow from Standard 220 V AC household supply with the help of electrical ballast or with a Capacitor connecting in series.
It is also interesting to note that it can kill the foul smell/odour inside a shoe when a UV-C Lamp is placed inside which is generated due to bacteria present inside.
Do It Yourself (DIY) आओ इसको बनायें !
To make this UV-C Lamp working for sanitization you need a Driver or a Non-Polar Capacitor of value 4.2 µF 400 V, very easily available in the market. If any other value available you can make parallel and series combinations also, for example, 2.2 µF + 2.2 µF = 4.4 µF in parallel combination. Refer to the image below for reference:
This is a very common method to use this UV Lamp with 220 VAC electricity. You can install this lamp in any type of wooden box of the required size from 10L to 70L. For better efficiency, you may cover inner area of the wooden box with Aluminum foil, generally used in the kitchen for food wrapping. You can wrap the inner side of a wooden box with the help of cello tape and glue.
For UVC sanitization of any personal gadgets, put it into the wooden box, shut the door/opening lid, and switch on the lamp for near about 10-minutes. After 10-minutes switch off the UVC lamp and take out your gadget and use it confidently without any risk of bacteria.
In addition, you can also change the UVC lamp in your standard appliance to keep your foodstuff safe. Take a look for the idea on how to do it.
Standard Lamps are available for a replacement to your standard home appliances like Micro-wave Oven and Refrigerators.
Thank you very much for your valuable time to read and understand my observation, I hope it may be useful knowledge for you to understand on How we can try our best to stop the spreading of COVID-19 to remain Safe and Healthy during the current scenario of the present condition.
Zahid Khan
Revamp Designs & Automation Pvt. Ltd.