FAQ
Listed below, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions. The list will continue to grow as more relevant questions come to our attention. If you have a question that isn't listed here, or it isn't answered by the website content, please feel free to contact us and we'll gladly answer your question. Thank you!
- The GCS Team
IS UVC TECHNOLOGY NEW?
No, UVC technology has been around for over a century. it was brought to light (no pun intended) in the late 1800's by Dr, Professor and Scientist, Niels Ryberg Finsen, he was awarded the 1903 Nobel Prize in medicine as he discovered the effects of sun rays against diseases, such as TB and Lupus.
ARE ALL UVC DEVICES EFFECTIVE?
That's difficult to say, all we can say is that not all UVC devices are created equal. There's a large amount of devices in the market claiming they can kill germs and viruses. However, not all them can offer supporting evidence that they actually can, such as third party testing.
WHAT'S THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION WHEN SELECTING A UVC DEVICE?
Does it actually work? (Does it actually kill germs) This should be your number one question. We understand that budget is very important, however, regardless of your budget, make sure that the device you choose actually works.
DOES IT MATTER WHO TESTED THE DEVICE?
It sure does, the credentials of the lab that tested the device are very important to the credibility of the results produced. Knowing that, we chose SGS as our third party testing company. SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. They are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity.
HOW DOES UVC LIGHT KILL GERMS AND VIRUSES?
UVC light in the range of 200nm-280nm is absorbed by DNA, RNA and Proteins. Absorption by proteins can lead to the rupture of cell walls and death of the organism. Absorption by DNA or RNA leads to disruption in the DNA replication process. If DNA cannot replicate then the cell cannot infect.
CAN UVC LIGHT KILL COVID-19?
Most UV sanitizers have not been tested against COVID-19, but UVC light has been shown to destroy related coronaviruses, including the one that causes the disease MERS. According to different sources, including azfamily.com, UVC light is already being used in some hospitals against germs and viruses, including the coronavirus.
CAN I USE UVC LIGHT TO DISINFECT MY HANDS?
No, Ultraviolet light is produced by the sun and by special devices. Out of the three types of UV light UVA, UVB, and UVC, the one that has the most energy is UVC. This energy destroys the generic material inside viruses and other pathogens, and can be dangerous to the human skin and eyes, therefore, UVC light is used for disinfection of objects and surfaces only.
CAN I USE UVC LIGHT TO DISINFECT MY PET?
No, just like in humans, exposure to UVC light can be harmful for our pet's skin and eyes.
IS UVC LED BETTER THAN UVC LIGHT BULB TUBES?
Yes, UVC LED is known to last longer, use less energy and offer more power. UVC light bulb tubes require more consistent energy to produce the required power to stay in the UVC spectrum of 200-280nm. Any drop in energy / intensity would make the UVC light bulb tube ineffective for killing germs and viruses (making it basically a flashlight). The UVC light tubes require constant monitoring of light output / intensity, and have to be replaced frequently to stay and operate in the UVC range of 200-280nm (this is added cost). With UVC LED power, energy, and intensity is consistent thru-out the life time of the unit 10-15 years with no maintenance. Make sure the LED UVC device you select for purchase has been tested and verified by a good 3rd party source.
IS UVC LIGHT SAFER TO USE THEN CHEMICAL DISINFECTANT SOLUTIONS?
Definitely Yes. Chemical disinfectant solutions are several chemicals mixed together to achieve the goal of disinfecting (read the label). Some of the ingredients are very harmful to your health and for animals. Organic disinfecting solutions, if not properly mixed correctly can be less effective. LED UVC light works all the time, no guesswork required.
WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF UVC LIGHT?
The sun emits three types of UV (Ultraviolet) light, UVA, UVB and UVC, this last one being the one with the most intensity, however, the earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the sun's UVC light. All Ultraviolet Light can cause harmful effects, especially to our eyes and skin. Looking directly at the sun will cause eye issues, staying out in the sun to long can cause skin issues; those are the only 2 things you need to NOT do with UVC products.
