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Effects of UV Lights on Animal Viruses

Ultraviolet light is an effective way of killing viruses and other pathogenic microbes by damaging their DNA. Not all UV light is germicidal. UV-C or shorter wavelength UV is germicidal, but longer wavelength UV does not contain enough energy to kill viruses.

  1. UV-C Light

    • UV-C light has the greatest germicidal effect at 265 nanometers. At this wavelength, UV can disrupt the DNA in viruses enough to stop them from reproducing and spreading in animals and humans. UV disinfection is usually performed with a specially designed lamp.

    Uses

    • UV-C has important uses in research and commercial laboratories, water purification, and meat and food processing. It is odorless, colorless, does not change the taste of foods and reduces the use of additives and chemical preservatives.

    Dangerous Viruses

    • UV-C can also be used to treat wash water and by-products from processing. Among the animal viruses that cause the greatest concern because of their pathogenicity are HIV, swine flu and avian flu.

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