The idea of an ultraviolet sanitizer might seem like something out of a science fiction novel for many people, but in these days of high tech gadgetry they are very real, and particularly useful. Ultraviolet sanitizing systems are used in a wide variety of products to eliminate harmful pathogens and germs by disarming them or killing them outright through the use of ultraviolet light. They work by focusing beams of a particular ultraviolet spectrum, called UV-C, which damages both DNA and RNA strands to neutralize microbial life without introducing chemicals or using liquid substances.
The lack of chemical or liquid sanitizing agents is what makes an ultraviolet sanitizer particularly handy for many uses. UV sanitizing wands are widely used to clean electronic equipment like computer keyboards without damaging the delicate circuitry, and other ultraviolet sanitizers are used in pools and fish tanks to clean the water without adding harmful chemicals that could kill the fish or irritate human skin. However, it is worth noting that ultraviolet light is not entirely without risk, since UV-C rays directed at a person can be harmful. Ultraviolet light is, after all, part of what causes sunburns in humans. For this reason many models of hand-held UV light sanitizing equipment have built in sensors to shut the light off when they are turned upwards, and other forms of sanitizers (such as those in air conditioners or pools) are shielded. Because of these safety measures UV sanitizing equipment is generally as safe as any other tool you can find in a toolbox–that is, to say, perfectly fine if used correctly, but potentially harmful if misused.
