Abstract: A germicidal quartz lamp producing ultraviolet radiation having a sleeve coated with a titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is impregnated or embedded into the sleeve and mechanically held. Ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of approximately 254 nm generated by the germicidal quartz lamp causes hydroxyl radicals to form on the titanium dioxide surface. The hydroxyl radicals act as a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys pollutants. In one embodiment, different densities of the titanium dioxide coating are formed along the longitudinal length of the quartz lamp. A longitudinal portion of the quartz lamp may be free of any titanium dioxide coating permitting the ultraviolet radiation to pass therethrough creating a germicidal effect. The titanium dioxide may be heated to a temperature above the melting point of the sleeve to create the mechanical bond. The present invention is useful in the commercial food industry or for consumer use.