Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yu_Bum_suk]

You know those square, metal cup wracks that look a bit like an oven one finds at cafeterias and gyms. Do they do anything more than just dry the cups? Can UV light actually sanatise things?

[ED209]

UV has been used to kill germs for ages, that much is true. You may also see them used in salons to clean razors, clippers and scissors.
How effective these cup racks are I don't know. You would need some kind of consumer test.

[tweeterdj]

they use those things for microphones, too. i see them at lots of churches. apparently using the same microphone as someone else is dangerous!

[hubba bubba]

Ha! They have them at LG Telecom spots. You can sanitize your handuhpon!

[brento1138]

Yet I fail to see those at those processed-fish stick stands where everyone double dips in the same sauce, or drinks out of the same cup...

[Muramasa blade]

The short answer to your question is yes. They have been using ultraviolet light (UV) to sanitize drinking water and various instruments, utensils, etc. Theoretically the UV should break down, or alter the viruses and bacteria, rendering them inert or less harmful.

On the other hand certain viruses and bacteria have evolved to be resistant to UV. Another factor to consider is the fact that bacteria/viruses are extremely small and can hide in imperfections in the cup/utensils. UV as a sterilization method, by itself, is not enough. For further information, look up ultraviolet light/radiation from wikipedia.