Germicidal lamp
Germicidal lamp
A Germicidal lamp (pronunciation: /ˈjəːmɪˌsʌɪd(ə)l lamp/) is a special type of lamp which produces ultraviolet (UV) light. This short-wave ultraviolet light disrupts DNA base pairing, causing formation of pyrimidine dimers, and leads to the inactivation of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It can also be used to produce ozone for water disinfection.
Etymology
The term "germicidal" comes from the Latin germen, meaning "sprout, bud" and -cidal, from caedere meaning "to kill". The term "lamp" comes from the Greek lampas, meaning "torch".
Types
There are three main types of germicidal lamps: low pressure lamps, medium pressure lamps, and LEDs.
- Low pressure lamps are similar in construction to a fluorescent lamp. They have a broad spectrum and are most effective in wave lengths of 254 nm.
- Medium pressure lamps have a broader spectrum than low pressure lamps. They are more powerful but less efficient.
- LEDs are a type of solid state lighting that uses a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. They can be designed to produce UV light.
Related Terms
- Ultraviolet is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 10 nm to 400 nm, shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays.
- DNA is a molecule composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.
- Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. It is an allotrope of oxygen that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope O2.
- Disinfection is the process of killing or removing pathogenic microorganisms to prevent infection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Germicidal lamp
- Wikipedia's article - Germicidal lamp
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