The survival of bacteria in dust. III. The effect of light on the survival of bacteria in dust

Abstract

The effects of daylight, low-intensity ultra-violet radiation, fluorescent lighting, and tungsten-filament lighting on the survival of dust flora have been studied, at room humidities of about 60% and under dry conditions. The first three radiations all cause a significantly enhanced death-rate at room humidities for all the groups of organisms studied. The effect appears to be limited in extent and to be complete in about 10 days. The action of the radiations is much slower under dry conditions.