FAQs

UVC is short-wavelength ultraviolet radiant energy. It forms part of the non-visible segment of the photobiological ultraviolet spectral band, between 200 and 280 nm. 

No, in fact there GUVI has been studied since the late 19th century with a focus on UVC from around 1930. In 1935 scientists proved through demonstration the ability of UVC irradiation to effectively inactivate airborne microorganisms. In the 1970’s UVC irradiation was proven to reduce TB infection. Since the early 1990’s there has been a further focus on the efficacy and safety of UVC products as a way to inactivate viruses and bacteria and it is a proven, useful tool in this respect.

Multiple scientific reports show high efficacy rates in the reduction of harmful micro-organisms when used in accordance with manufacturer instructions. For example: 

“Implementation of this “no-touch” technology in various hospitals has documented a sustained reduction in surface microbial contamination, reduced cross-contamination, and a reduced spread of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. In the study of Liscynesky et al. [15], in rooms of patients with confirmed C. difficileinfection (CDI), 32 out of 238 (13%) high-touch surfaces were positive after bleach disinfection and only 1 out of 238 (0.4%) was positive after UVC-treatment (the computer keyboard) at 254 nm emitted by 3 connected devices run for 45 min.” [Evaluation of an Ultraviolet C (UVC) Light-Emitting Device for Disinfection of High Touch Surfaces in Hospital Critical Areas, Beatrice Casini et al, Sep 24, 2019]

When UVC irradiation comes into contact with a micro-organism it causes a photochemical reaction as the radiation is absorbed. Damage to the micro-organism’s DNA ensues. Principally the action of the absorption of the photon makes the microbe unable to replicate.

GOLDENSEA UV employs low pressure (Hg) mercury discharge lamp tubes. The tubes are made by Philips and Osram. These tubes output UVC irradiation at 253.7nm, which is near the maximum microbicidal activity rated at between 260- 265nm. This makes the lamp tubes GOLDENSEA UV uses excellent choices for this GUVI purposes.

No, unlike other disinfection methods such as chlorination, UVC disinfection does not produce any known by-products such as residue etc. According to Philips (lamp tube manufacturer) no residual phenomena have been found following the disinfection process.

Misuse of products and improper installation may result in the UVC products being unsafe. Always follow the directions laid out in the user manual.

UVC is very well researched and well understood. Compared with UV-A and UV-B, both of which are present in sunlight, UVC presents little penetration into deeper layers of skin. In fact, UVC primarily impacts and is absorbed by the outer dead layer and outer skin. The current daily safe limit for 253.7 exposure over an 8 hour period is 6 mJ/cm2 [American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 2020 Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices] This compares with 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight with a UV index of 10.

However, exposure to UVC can cause temporary skin and eye irritation/ redness and longer exposure can cause burns. When using ultraviolet disinfection lamps, people, animals, and plants MUST not be in the disinfection area. Objects may exhibit accelerated aging, in a similar way that objects are aged when left in direct sunlight. After using ultraviolet light, the area must be ventilated for at least 10 minutes. 

Our products have multiple safety circuits built into all of its products to reduce and avoid the risk of incorrect use resulting in injury.

This is dependent on the model of GOLDENSEA UV product (which defines the power of the GUVI it emits) and then the time the product is on for. Please refer to the user manual or product brochure of the product where we list the time/ area for disinfection for each product.

All direct exposure GOLDENSEA UV products have the following safety circuits.

1. All products have a delayed start circuit. After the user switches on the lamp, it will not ignite for a period of 30 seconds to 3 minutes (depending on the product).

2. During delayed ignition, an audible and visual alarm will be present providing the user with warnings to leave the immediate area.

3. Every unit has LED indicators showing the user the state of the product- ie ready for use, preparing to engage and be engaged. (Solid green, flashing red, solid red)

4. Every unit is fitted with an omnidirectional motion detector. As soon as the motion detector identifies motion, the product will immediately power down resulting in no UVC irradiation

5. Every unit is fitted with a tilt sensor that automatically powers down the product should the unit topple over when unattended.

Due to the protection circuits employed in GOLDENSEA UV products, the operator should never come into contact with a product, when it is irradiating UVC. However, it remains best practice for an operator to always wear protective eyewear, nitrile gloves, and clothing (tightly woven) which covers all exposed skin.

When replacing the lamp tubes, the power to the product must always be physically unplugged from the wall and the operator should wear protective eyewear, nitrile gloves, and clothing (tightly woven) which covers all exposed skin.

This depends on the chemical composition of the material in question. Some clear plastics will allow for the transmission of UVC while others will not. However, for effective transmission of UVC the composition of the surface needs to be as pure as possible (hence why quartz glass containing only a single component of silicon dioxide is used to make the lamp tubes) meaning that most clear surfaces are not efficient for transmitting UVC them.

Opaque surfaces and tightly woven materials (i.e. where the UVC radiation has no direct line of sight to the subsurface) are also effective at blocking UVC radiation.

In general, UV degrades materials such as paint, colours in fabrics, and some plastics. Polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are plastics that are particularly impacted by UVC (and UVA/B) irradiation. Polyester (for example) is far more resistant to UV exposure

Similar degradation of materials also occurs when exposed to UV radiation found in sunlight for prolonged periods of time.

The shorter wavelength of UVC may damage plants.

We recommend that all sensitive objects and plants be removed from rooms prior to UVC disinfection.

As the lamp tube is used, its output will gradually decay.  At 9000h of use (the max effective life), the radiant illuminance will decay to between 90% and 80% of the original value.

Yes, you can either use UV reactive strips or a radiation meter (for example an Everfine U20 to measure the radiation output.

All pathogens contain either DNA or RNA which is damaged by exposure to UV-C. Numerous studies have been done to determine the fluence (also called UV dose) needed to inactivate specific microorganisms. To review the summary of research, click to download Fluence (UV dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Reduction of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Algae. 

UV-C disinfection is an invisible process that requires visible validation. Having a simple, easy, 3rd-party tool to visually confirm that an adequate dose of UVGI has been delivered to surfaces can help reduce rates of HAIs and can contribute to healthier, safer environments. Using UVC Dosimeters with every UVC disinfection cycle provides facilities with a tangible record of compliance and is in line with CDC and FDA recommendations of quality assurance practices for disinfection.