Germicidal Lamps

Germicidal lamps are special types of lamps that produce UV (Ultraviolet light). The short wave ultra violet light created disrupts the DNA base pairing therefore causing thymine dimmers leading to the killing of bacterial on exposed surfaces. Germicidal lamps can also be used for water disinfectant.

Germicidal lamps come in the form of low pressure and medium pressure lamp and are mainly used to sterilize workspaces and tools, used in biology laboratories and medical facilities such as hospitals. If the quartz envelope transmits wavelengths shorter than 253.7nm then can also be used wherever ozone is needed, so they can be used in hot tubs, aquariums, fish ponds etc. 

The light created by germicidal lamps is also used for killing EPROMS - the UV light photons are energetic, allowing the electrons stuck on the transistors floating gate to move through the gate insulation, therefore removing the charge. Germicidal lamps are also commonly used for waste water treatment, killing microorganisms.

The short wave UV light produced is harmful to humans; not only causing sunburn but over prolonged exposure and time can cause skin cancer. Exposure of short wave UV light to the eye can damage to the cornea of the eye, possibly resulting in temporary or even permanent vision impairment.