Shortwave UV lamps are made using fused quartz or vycor, since ordinary glass absorbs UVC. These lamps emit ultraviolet light with two peaks in the UVC band at 253.7 nm and 185 nm due to the mercury within the lamp, as well as some visible light. From 85% to 90% of the UV produced by these lamps is at 253.7 nm, whereas only 5–10% is at 185 nm. The fused quartz tube passes the 253.7 nm radiation but blocks the 185 nm wavelength. These "germicidal" lamps are used extensively for disinfection of surfaces in laboratories and food-processing industries, and for disinfecting water supplies.

UVGI is a method of disinfection that uses short wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C) to inactivate or kill microorganisms and pathogens. Essentially, UVGI is the use of UV light with sufficiently short wavelengths to disinfect surfaces, air, and water.

Ultraviolet light kills cells by damaging their DNA. Exposure to the electromagnetic radiation (light) at certain UV wavelengths modifies the genetic material of microorganisms and destroys their ability to reproduce. The UV energy triggers the formation of specific thymine or cytosine dimers in DNA and uracil dimers in RNA, which causes the inactivation of microbes by causing mutations and/or cell death as well as failure to reproduce.

Studies have shown that UVC light at wavelengths of 254nm-265nm disrupts the DNA/RNA replication process in the cells. Ozone is a toxic chemical produced by 185nm UVC light interacting with oxygen in the air, that disinfects much like any chemical disinfectant. While ozone does dissipate in time, it can be corrosive and its effects on the item being treated needs to be understood before being used. Also, it is a lung irritant, and is regulated by NIOSH as a known safety hazard.

Yes. Germicidal UVC lamps will kill up to 99.9% of mold and help prevent future mold growth.

The exposure of germicidal ultraviolet is the product of time and intensity. High intensities for a short period and low intensities for a long period are fundamentally equal in lethal action on bacteria. The inverse square law applies to germicidal ultraviolet as it does to light: the killing power decreases as the distance from the lamps increases. The average bacterium will be killed in two seconds at a distance of 5 centimetre from the lamp .

Yes. UV Care products, when used as directed, are completely safe. Most of the systems operate in enclosed spaces, so there is no exposure to people. The direct sterilization units, if used as instructed, are perfectly safe as well. Care must be taken to avoid prolonged direct exposure of the lamps to skin and eyes. Careful responsible use will result in total safety.