Ultraviolet (UV) radiation covers a wavelength range from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm) and is the most energetic part of optical radiation. UV light is classified by wavelength:

- UV-A: 320 - 400 nm

- UV-B: 290 - 320 nm

- UV-C: 100 - 290 nm

UV-C radiation from the sun is completely filtered out by the ozone layer around the Earth's atmosphere, so all UV-C radiation found on Earth comes from artificial sources.

Learn more what the difference between UV A/B/C is in our blog article.

UV disinfection is effective at wavelengths from 200 nm to 300 nm. The wavelength of the UVC lamps is 254 nm. The UV-C radiation has a strong virucidal and bactericidal effect. It penetrates the cell, destroys the structure of DNA or RNA and thus inactivates living cells. Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi are rendered harmless by the UV radiation within seconds, because they can no longer reproduce.

Excessive exposure to UV light can cause irritation of the skin (sunburn) and eyes in humans. UVC light is highly energetic and can cause even more severe damage, including skin cancer and blindness. Therefore, the radiation is only used in installed modules or under protective clothing. Our ESCALITE modules are installed in the return flow of the escalator in such a way that no contact between the UV rays and humans is possible. A health risk for humans and animals is thus excluded.

Disinfection with UV light takes place without the use of chemical products or wipes and is therefore much more environmentally friendly. With conventional disinfectants also not all areas can be treated, because they are not accessible or too sensitive or must not come into contact with liquids. With UVC light, all areas and materials can be disinfected very quickly.

The RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is just as susceptible to UVC radiation as any other microorganism. The dose of radiation is crucial, not the type of organism.

UVC light can be used to render all microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria or fungi, harmless. The decisive factor is the radiation dose, which depends on the wavelength and the irradiation time.