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UV Lights Effects on Viruses

For more than a century, ultraviolet light has been deemed a cogent method for causing harmful waterborne diseases and viruses to become inactive. However, in some cases, it may serve as a trigger to activate other viruses.

  1. Killing Agent for Waterborne Viruses

    • Many individuals and businesses struggle with keeping their water bodies fresh and free of viruses and algae. According to koi-pond-guide.com, ultraviolet light for prolonged periods can render some waterborne viruses "microbiologically dead by penetrating the cell wall and affecting the microorganism's DNA such that it is unable to reproduce."

    Trigger Effect

    • Other studies show that some dormant viral cells can actually be activated by ultraviolet light, which is essentially serving as a trigger. According to Randall Hicks, associate professor and head of the University of Minnesota Duluth's Department of Biology, "UV light at the earth's surface as a result of thinning of the ozone layer... can also cause dormant viruses to become active."

    Mutator

    • In certain circumstances, such as with the single-stranded DNA parvovirus H-1, ultraviolet radiation was found to be directly mutagenic, resulting in an altered form of the virus., according to the EMBO Journal.

    Practical UV Product Applications

    • Ultraviolet light is often used as a practical way to protect against certain viruses. Products for sale to the public include UV ionic air purifiers, UV carbon air cleaners and UV light systems.

    Ongoing Research

    • Organizations like Sea-Grant continue to fund scientists such as marine biologists as they study freshwater and saltwater habitats in an effort to get a more accurate picture of the effect UV light has on new and different viruses.

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