Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Inactivation of Pathogens via Visible-Light Photolysis of Riboflavin-5′-Phosphate
Published on: April 6, 2022
Disinfection Technology in Hospitals: Harmful effects of UVC
Abstract:
Ultraviolet C (UVC) disinfection is an effective technique for inactivating bacteria and viruses, while being non-corrosive to medical equipment. It is therefore very useful for hospitals. However, the handling of this type of radiation without precaution presents a potentially significant danger for the human health. This hazard can manifested immediately or after a long period, by harmful effects ranging from simple erythema to authentic skin cancers. Therefore restrictions should be imposed to control and avoid the risks involved in professional uses. For this reason, the limit values for exposure to UVC radiation have been specified and recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Related Concept Videos
Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...

