UVC rays and chemical disinfectants: Which one to choose?

The cleaning process in professional establishments is changing. Although the hygiene rules were already particularly strict, the health situation has introduced additional requirements.

What is the difference between UVC rays and chemical disinfectants? How do they act on surfaces? Are they dangerous for human beings? We answer all of these questions in this article.

The difference between UVC rays and chemical disinfectants

UVC rays

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation enables the eradication or inactivation of microorganisms by modifying their DNA and RNA so that cell reproduction becomes impossible. The power of the rays makes it possible to disinfect all environments in record timewithout damaging the area to be treated and without endangering the user.

Indeed, the ease of use of PuriTechs devices allows remote management of everything and does not require specialized staff to use them. You will find more information about this in this article.

Chemical disinfectants

Like UVC rays, disinfectants are designed to destroy microorganisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria. In many industries, chemical disinfectants are essential to supplement cleaning because they reduce the amount of microbes on handles, surfaces, professional equipment, floors and walls.

However, because of their composition, they present a clear health risk as well as disadvantages in terms of their use:

• Skin damage, contact eczema, dermatitis;
• Some products are classified as carcinogenic (1);
• Development of respiratory diseases;
• Alterations of treated surfaces;
• Pollution through the chemical components of the products;
• Considerable manpower and need for qualified staff.

Why are chemical disinfectants insufficient?

The use of chemical disinfectants in addition to UVC rays has been shown to significantly reduce all traces of potentially dangerous microorganisms. (2)

Chemical disinfectants are capable of reducing by 5 log (a reduction of 99,999 %) viruses, bacteria and other pathogenic germs present on surfaces. However, to be completely effective, it is necessary to disinfect after having used these products on surfaces. (3) Indeed, human use of chemical disinfectants cannot guarantee 100% effective cleaning against the spread of viruses on surfaces.

UVC disinfection allows for surfaces and ambient air to be completely devoid of any pathogenic and potentially dangerous germs in sensitive industries such as the medical or agri-food sectors.

The devices developed by PuriTechs are capable ofworking by themselves and of disinfecting the area to be treated with its ideal UVC dose. As a result, no surface is set aside and nothing is forgotten in the decontamination process. In fact, we had discussed the subject in this article where we explained the versatility of UVC actions in different environments.

To discover PuriTechs devices.

To find more answers to your questions, we have a FAQ section available.