What type of light do air sterilizers use to destroy bacteria and spores?

Air sterilizers utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to effectively destroy bacteria and spores. This is primarily because UV light, particularly the UV-C range (shortwave), has germicidal properties that disrupt the DNA and RNA of microorganisms. When exposed to UV-C light, bacteria and spores absorb the energy, leading to damage in their genetic material, which inhibits their ability to reproduce and effectively kills them.

Visible light does not possess sufficient energy to cause such damage to microorganisms. Infrared light is primarily associated with heat and does not have the wavelengths necessary to sterilize; it is ineffective in targeting the molecular structure of bacteria or spores. Laser light, while it can be focused and intense, is not traditionally used in sterilization processes in air purification systems; instead, it is used for cutting or specific medical applications. Thus, ultraviolet light stands out as the most effective solution for sterilization in air purifiers.