UV Purifiers use a sterilizing process know as  Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). This is a well known sterilization method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light at certain wavelengths to break down germs & viruses.^[1] It is used in a variety of applications in the home, in hospitals, and other sensitive areas, for air, water and food purification. UV has been a known mutagen at the cellular level for more than 100 years. The 1903 Nobel Prize for Medicine was awarded to Niels Finsen for his use of UV against tuberculosis.^[2]

Using a UV Purifier in certain environments like circulating air systems or home water systems creates a deadly effect on micro-organisms such as pathogens, viruses and molds that are in these environments. Coupled with a filtration system, UV Purifiers can remove harmful micro-organisms from these environments.

The application of UV Purifers to sterilization has been an accepted practice since the mid-20th century. It has been used primarily in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. Increasingly it was employed to sterilize drinking and wastewater, as the holding facilities were enclosed and could be circulated to ensure a higher exposure to the UV. Lately UV Purifers have been popular in homes for  air sanitization, especially during the recent flu and foodborn illness outbreaks.