Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus, comprising an input for water; a tank provided with means for chilling water; a UV lamp; a UV transmissive coil wrapped at least partially around the lamp such that the water to be dispensed passes through the coil and is thereby sterilized by the UV lamp to Class A UV standards and an output. A single Class A UV source can be used to sterilize both still and carbonated (sparkling) water, or chilled and ambient water, or all three.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental tool sterilizer, which sterilizes a dental tool to keep the dental tool sanitary and allows a dental tool that has been sterilized or is to be sterilized to be conveniently and easily put into and taken out of the sterilizer. The sterilizer includes a support body having a turntable on an upper portion thereof, a power button being provided at a predetermined position on the support body to control supply of power. A dental-tool protective casing is provided such that an open bottom thereof is placed on the upper portion of the support body, and has a door on a side thereof. A sterilizing means is provided in the casing and has an ultraviolet lamp that radiates ultraviolet rays. A dental-tool holding means is provided on the turntable in such a way as to rotate along with the turntable, and holds dental tools.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a selective ultraviolet disinfection method is provided. The method includes selecting operating parameters for an ultraviolet disinfection process of flowing liquid carrying first and second types of entities to affect the first type of entities while the second type of entities remains intact, illuminating the liquid with ultraviolet light according to the operating parameters and continuously adjusting the operating parameters based on real-time measurements of ultraviolet transmission and flow rate of the liquid.

Abstract: An electron beam cap-sterilizer radiates an electron beam onto caps while the caps are continuously conveyed. The caps are conveyed in the restricting conveying section while the movements of the caps are restricted, so that the caps roll down freely and separately from each other in the free conveying section. The electron beam radiating device emits electron beams onto the inside of the caps in the lateral direction while the caps are conveyed in the free conveying section. A deflecting device is provided in the free conveying section. The deflecting device is located at the opposite side of the electron beam radiating device to deflect the electron beams emitted by the electron beam radiating device onto the outside of the caps.

Abstract: Novel nail gel curing devices and methods of their use are disclosed. Novel shields for nail gel curing devices and methods of their use are also disclosed. The devices and shields are useful for curing nail gels and more particularly where light emitting diode “LED” equipped devices are used to cure UV-VIS curable nail gel resins.

Abstract: A water purification device (30) is provided for installation in an aircraft potable water system. The device (30) comprises a treatment cell (40) incorporated into the water system's plumbing and a flashlamp (50) positioned to productively transmit into the treatment chamber (41) of the cell (40). The flashlamp (50) emits short-pulse and high-intensity flashes, thereby delivering adequate UV doses (e.g., at least 40 mJ/cm2) with reasonable input power (e.g., 400 watts) for an aircraft system.

Abstract: Introducing ultraviolet (UV) light to alter the environment inside a shoe or other footwear destroys microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Visible light can also be used to prevent further growth. Introducing forced air flow through the footwear removes dampness in and thereby deodorizes the footwear. A preferred embodiment comprises an adjustable shoe tree equipped with a UV germicidal light source and electronic safeguards that prevent appreciable leakage of UV radiation outside the shoe.

Abstract: Plastic containers fed by an article feeder housed in a shield chamber are sterilized by being irradiated with an electron beam that is radiated from an irradiation window of an electron beam irradiation unit which is coupled to an opening of the shield chamber. In a maintenance mode, an adjustment irradiation box is detachably mounted on the electron beam irradiation unit in covering relation to the irradiation window of the electron beam irradiation unit. The adjustment irradiation box houses therein an electron beam receiver for receiving the electron beam radiated from the irradiation window, a cooling mechanism for cooling the electron beam receiver, and an exhaust mechanism for discharging an atmosphere in the adjustment irradiation box.

Abstract: In overview, the described system provides a mercury-free gas discharge UVC lamp system and in particular a liquid purification system including a treatment container, a treatment volume, and one or more UVC lamps as described hereinafter configured to irradiate the treatment volume. In an embodiment of the invention, the UVC lamp system includes a tubular glass or quartz envelope, evacuated to approximately 200 Torr and slightly backfilled with a noble gas such as Xenon, Argon, or Nitrogen. For end emission, the cylindrical opening in each electrode assembly may be a through-hole capped externally by a quartz window. The radiation flux and dwell time may be adjusted to the type and degree of contamination in the water.

Abstract: An ultraviolet ionizing unit for an air purifying that treats all air passing therethrough. The unit has a housing with an air ingress opening at first end, an air egress opening at a second end, an open end, at least two spaced apart internal retainers formed inside the housing, and a cavity formed in a space between the two spaced apart internal retainers. Two sections of ion generating material are retained in a spaced apart manner by the two spaced apart internal retainers. Spacers are used to hold a U-shaped UV lamp in the cavity, provide cushioning of the UV lamp therein, and providing additional sealing so that all air passing through the ionizing unit will be treated. A housing end cap covers the open end of the housing and retains the UV lamps therein so that the ion generating materials is fully exposed by UV light.

Abstract: A target collection device may include a collection container having an opening through which a target material is collected into the collection container, and a temperature adjuster configured to adjust a temperature of the collection container to a temperature that is equal to or higher than a melting point of the target material. The target collection device may be part of an extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus. Methods of target collection are also provided.

Abstract: An exterior container has a primary base, side walls and an open top. A primary floor is located in the exterior chamber and forms an operational chamber. An interior container has a secondary floor, side walls and top. The interior container is removably received within the exterior container. A retainer is positioned within the interior chamber for receiving a catheter. A source of light is provided within the exterior chamber to irradiate the catheter.

Abstract: The disclosed water purifier comprises an outer wall, a RAW water inflow section that allows inflow of RAW water from outside said outer wall, a purifying section, an ultraviolet ray sterilizing section that has an ultraviolet ray source, a purified water outflow section that allows purified water that has been purified in said purifying section and sterilized in said ultraviolet ray sterilizing section to flow to the outside of said outer wall, a condition-detecting unit, and a control unit that controls generation of ultraviolet rays from said ultraviolet ray source according to the detection by said condition-detecting unit.

Abstract: A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface to be protected from biofouling. A method corresponds to the system.

Abstract: A non-radioactive source for Atmospheric Pressure Ionization is described. The electron-beam sealed tube uses a pyroelectric crystal(s). One end of the crystal is grounded while the other end has a metallic cap with sharp feature to generate an electron beam of a given energy. The rate of heating and/or cooling of the crystal is used to control the current generated from a tube. A heating and/or cooling element such as a Peltier element is useful for controlling the rate of cooling of the crystal. A thin window that is transparent to electrons but impervious to gases is needed in order to prolong the life of the tube and allow the extraction of the electrons. If needed, multiple crystals with independent heaters can be used to provide continuous operation of the device. Dielectric shielding of the pyroelectric crystal is used to minimize discharge of the crystal.

Abstract: A light solidifying device includes a body, a magnetic slide cover unit connected to the body, a control unit connected to the body, and a light solidifying unit disposed in the body. An inner case of the body is a polygonal case, and an inclined sidewall of the inner case is arranged to face to a user's finger nails in a direction perpendicular to the inclined sidewall. The magnetic slide cover unit can be movable to adjust the opened area of a first opening and a second opening of the body for shielding the light rays emitted from the light emitting diode to prevent from irradiation of the light on the user's eyes and skin during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilization of an inner wall of containers has a charge carrier source for generating charge carriers, with an acceleration device by which charge carriers are capable of being accelerated in the direction of a charge carrier emission window. The charge carrier emission window is arranged on a treatment device for introduction through an opening into the container along an insertion direction, in order to act upon an inner wall of the container with the charge carriers issuing from the charge carrier emission window. A is flowed into the region of the charge carriers issuing out of the charge carrier emission window for changing the dimension of a charge carrier cloud formed by the discharged charge carriers.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for automatically sterilizing hand-held electronic devices. The arrangement includes a source of Ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as one or more fiber-optic filaments for transmitting the UV light for output at one or more locations on the hand-held electronic device. Software is provided to enable a user to pre-program a desired sanitization schedule for one or more portions of the device. In one embodiment, a UV protective cover is provided to protect UV-sensitive portions of the hand-held electronic device.

Abstract: A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and a set of foot/shoe support bars coupled to the housing in proximity to the at least one opening. The foot/shoe support bars support a foot or shoe placed through the opening(s). At least one ultraviolet emitting device is supported within the housing beneath the set of foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered by a source of power to emit ultraviolet light. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone.

Abstract: It is aimed to prevent electrical charging inside a resin material as well as a surface of a resin vessel at a time of sterilizing the resin vessel by being irradiated with electron beam. A bottle support unit is mounted to a lower end portion of a cylindrical rotating shaft rotatably supported by a rotating wheel. The bottle support unit includes a pair of griper members by which a mouth portion of a bottle is gripped. The bottle rotated and conveyed in a state supported by the bottle support unit is irradiated with the electron beam from an electron beam irradiator to thereby sterilize the bottle. A ground electrode is disposed to be capable of being inserted into the interior of the resin vessel through a mouth portion thereof, and the interior of the resin vessel is irradiated with the electron beam in a state of the ground electrode being inserted into the resin vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation device that includes a housing, a light-emitting unit and a light-absorbing unit which is provided with an inlet opening and a reflector element. The reflector element extends across the entire distance between the light-emitting unit and the inlet opening of the light-absorbing unit.

Abstract: A UV disinfection system and methods of UV disinfection are provided. The disinfection system may include a UV transparent conduit to carry a flowing liquid to be disinfected, the conduit having an inlet to receive the liquid and an outlet to discharge the liquid and two or more radiation sources positioned within the conduit substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the conduit. The walls of the conduit may be coated with a reflective coating acting as a back-surface mirror for enhancing the performance of the disinfection system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultraviolet sterilizer having a vibration-proof function. The ultraviolet sterilizer includes an ultraviolet sterilization unit. The ultraviolet sterilization unit has an inlet through which ballast water is drawn thereinto, an outlet through which the ballast water is discharged therefrom, and an ultraviolet lamp located between the inlet and the outlet. The ultraviolet lamp applies ultraviolet rays to the ballast water. The ultraviolet sterilizer further includes a cap which supports each of the opposite ends of the ultraviolet sterilization unit, and a shock absorption unit which is elastically compressed at a first end thereof by the cap while a second end thereof compresses an end of the ultraviolet lamp. Thereby, even if the ultraviolet sterilization unit vibrates, the sleeve pipe or the ultraviolet lamp can be prevented from being damaged, and explosive gas which may cause the ultraviolet sterilizer to explode is also prevented from entering the cap.

Abstract: A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.

Abstract: An ultraviolet flux multiplying air sterilization chamber comprises inner surfaces having a diffuse reflective behavior. The sterilization chamber includes an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for air to flow through said chamber and a light source emitting an ultraviolet light. Due to the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the chamber, a flux of the ultraviolet light is multiplied by reflecting multiple times from the inner surfaces of the chamber. The inlet and outlet apertures are advantageously configured to reduce the amount of light that escapes from the chamber and increase the amount of photons available in the chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, perforated end panels having diffuse, reflective interior surfaces may be provided over at least a portion of the inlet and outlet apertures.

Abstract: A culture apparatus which is capable of shortening sterilization time includes a gas concentration measuring sensor, pipes connected to a gas concentration measuring device and every corner of a cultivating chamber, and a sterilizing gas generator that supplies sterilizing gas into a cultivating chamber and atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator. The culture apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates gas in the cultivating chamber, a freely opening/closing door, a door-locking device, and a controller for controlling the locking device to prevent the door from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.

Abstract: A germicidal sterilization apparatus which includes a housing, a plate disposed atop the housing, and at least one ultraviolet light source supported by the housing. The at least one UV light source is adapted and configured to generate UV light waves which kill or deactivate harmful germs, microorganisms and spores thereof, pathogens, and/or transmissible diseases. The apparatus is integrated with a weight-measuring device for determining and indicating the weight of an individual.

Abstract: A UV sterilizer for oral appliances comprising, (a) a base including a UV source, (b) a lid, and (c) an appliance holder intermediate the lid and the base, the appliance holder being adapted to hold the oral appliance adjacent the UV source, wherein pressure exerted on the appliance holder can activate the UV source.

Abstract: A surface treatment device of dental implant according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body providing a treatment chamber to receive a surface processing object; a cover combined to the body to selectively open the treatment chamber; a light source irradiating UV light to a surface of the surface treatment object; and a reflective plate positioned at a bottom of the treatment chamber to reflect the UV light emitting from the light source toward the surface treatment object.

Abstract: A personal electronic device (PED) sanitization device comprises a compartment configured to receive a PED and a sanitization module configured to emit electro-optical (EO) radiation into the interior of the compartment. The compartment may comprise a support member configured to maintain the PED at a particular position and/or orientation. The support member may be transparent to the EO radiation, such that the entire surface of the PED can be irradiated. The device may further comprise an acoustic conduit to allow sounds generated by the PED to be transmitted outside of the compartment. The conduit may be configured to prevent EO radiation from leaking into the environment.

Abstract: A unit for treating blanks of hollow bodies made of a plastic material which includes: an enclosure which the blanks travel through longitudinally; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources, arranged on at least one lateral side of the enclosure; at least one airlock adjoining the enclosure, provided with mobile shields that are opaque to the electromagnetic radiation travelling along a path locally encroaching upon the path of the blanks; two shields defining two-by-two an area for holding at least one blank.

Abstract: For quarantine treatment of a farming and forestry product for pest control, a method and a device may irradiate logs as a phytosanitary treatment with electron beams. The method may include: spreading the logs; aligning the spread logs to be flush at one end; conveying the spread and flush logs laterally; conveying the logs longitudinally through an irradiation field formed by accelerators to provide treatment of irradiation with the electron beams; throwing the irradiated logs out; and laterally conveying the logs away. The device may include a conveying device for conveying the logs, a shielding structure surrounding the conveying device, and accelerators provided in the conveying path of the conveying device. Two or more accelerators may be provided in centrosymmetry about the conveying path.

Abstract: LED lamp has LEDs aimed rearwards with either a concave mirror to the rear of each LED, or one concave mirror to the rear of two or more LEDs, collecting the light from the LEDs to form a forward projecting beam. LEDs may be high power types that require heatsinking. LED lamp may have a lens forward of each LED to collimate the radiation produced by the LEDs into a beam, where at least one lens has at least one aspheric curved surface. LED lamp may have a transparent reflective optic to collimate the radiation produced by each LED into a beam. For an inspection lamp, the LEDs typically have a peak wavelength of 395 to 415 nanometers for seeing the area being irradiated but not so visible as to overwhelm fluorescence of fluorescent materials to be detected. Other wavelengths may be used.

Abstract: A laryngoscope disinfector characterized by a drawer that provides positioning for laryngoscopes in the drawer so that all surfaces of the laryngoscopes are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The drawer provides for the laryngoscope blades to be positioned generally horizontally and generally vertically for disinfection of the blades. The drawer also provides, in some embodiments, positioning for the laryngoscope handles.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for preventing the contraction of the causative agents of infectious diseases, such as, for example, bacteria and viruses by way of the most common public activities, via the interaction of commerce and the exchange of monetary goods. More specifically, the invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for sterilizing commerce media using the germicidal properties of ultraviolet light and/or ozone.

Abstract: The sterilizing toybox apparatus addresses illness risk, especially with children, by providing UV light sterilization within. UV lighting is offered both above and beyond toys within the apparatus. A time-release latch ensures exposure for a time determined to be optimal for UV exposure of contents. The apparatus provides UV lighting both in the bottom of the chest and in the lid. The clear shelf above the lower UV bulbs is in communication with the vibrator that jostles any toys so that full UV exposure is ensured. Reflective material distributed fully within the chest further guarantees full exposure of contents to sterilization. Additionally, the optional mesh basket is selectively suspended within the chest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light from one or more light sources to inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid, preferably a non-transparent fluid. Moreover, there is provided a method for the inactivation of microorganism in a biological fluid in a flow-through-reactor. Moreover, the invention advantageously provides a flow-through-reactor with one or more thermostated light sources. The invention further provides a method of controlling the light sum dose of monochromatic or polychromatic light emitted from one or more light sources to effectively inactivate microorganisms present in a biological fluid in a batch reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for producing multiple and variable wavelength distributions of UV radiation, or visible radiation, comprising a primary UV radiation source, and a system of wavelength transforming (WT) materials that allows selecting at will between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation, whereby the apparatus provides for UV sterilization of food, fluid, air, fluids, and surfaces; while also providing a means to emit visible light. Additionally, an apparatus and method, in a handheld portable multi purpose device, for enabling production and emission of UV radiation selectable between UV A, UV B, UV C radiation (individual selections or various combinations,) and visible radiation in a small form factor device embodied in a handheld portable flashlight, or lamp, type device.

Abstract: An irradiation surface of an electron beam irradiation device 28 is directed toward a vessel 2 conveyed by a vessel conveying device 24 to thereby irradiate the vessel 2 with the electron beam to sterilize the vessel, an irradiation chamber 30 is provided so as to surround the irradiation surface of the electron beam irradiation device 28 and the vessel 2 subjected to the irradiation, a discharge chamber 32 is provided on an outlet side of the irradiation chamber 30, and dry-air supply means 80 for supplying a dried aseptic air is connected to the irradiation chamber 30. By removing moisture within the irradiation chamber 30 which is irradiated with the electron beam, the changing of nitrogen oxide to nitric acid is suppressed to thereby prevent metal portions from corroding.

Abstract: A laryngoscope disinfector characterized by a drawer that provides positioning for laryngoscopes in the drawer so that all surfaces of the laryngoscopes are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The drawer provides for the laryngoscope blades to be positioned generally horizontally and generally vertically for disinfection of the blades. The drawer also provides, in some embodiments, positioning for the laryngoscope handles.

Abstract: A water treatment device and methods of treating cooling tower water are described. The water treatment device utilizes ultraviolet radiation, a magnetic field, and ozone fortified air to treat cooling tower water, resulting in reduced microbial contamination and reduced alkalinity in cooling tower water. Cooling tower water may consequently be run at higher cycles of concentration while reducing or eliminating deposition of minerals on cooling tower components.

Abstract: A disinfecting apparatus comprises a housing, an ultraviolet (UV) light, and a dispensing mechanism. The housing is designed to receive contaminated pens and dispense disinfected pens. The UV light comprises a UVC cold cathode light bulb housed integrally within the housing and an AC power connector. In a preferred embodiment the AC power connector further comprises an ON/OFF switch which controls the UV light bulb. The dispensing means comprises a means of re-obtaining a pen from the housing for subsequent use. Between uses, the pens are immersed in the light of the UV light bulb which helps to kill bacteria and germs associated with illnesses commonly contracted in such public places.

Abstract: An exterior container has a primary base, side walls and an open top. A primary floor is located in the exterior chamber and forms an operational chamber. An interior container has a square secondary floor, side walls and top. The interior container is removably received within the exterior container. A retainer is positioned within the interior chamber for receiving a catheter. A source of light is provided within the exterior chamber to irradiate the catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapting a commonly used lighting fixture that is generally specified as the primary lighting source for illuminating a particular area as the apparatus for enclosing an additional UV lighting mechanism. Further, the disclosure relates to a device that can be integrated into a light fixture used with a suspended grid ceiling or a solid ceiling. Also, the present disclosure relates to a germicidal fixture used in association with a light fixture, and to an apparatus for a new germicidal light fixture and for replacing or converting an existing light fixture for efficient germicidal use.

Abstract: A litter box for pets is provided having a container defined by a bottom and side walls and a germicidal ultraviolet light lamp positioned parallel to the bottom of the container and around the interior peripheral edge of the container, whereby the light from the lamp has an unobstructed path to the absorbent granular material in the container. A motion detector may be provided to turn the lamp off and on when a pet approaches the litter box.

Abstract: A treatment device for sterilizing containers by an electron beam includes a carousel that comprises a rotary holding plate supporting a plurality of treatment stations, each station including a sterilization device comprising an electron beam emitter, and a holding device for holding a container under the emitter. The treatment device includes a protection system for stopping the rays emitted by the emitters, the protection system comprises an annular segment-shaped, open stationary channel that is mounted in a stationary manner under the holding plate and forms, with the latter, a protective chamber in which the holding device supporting the containers moves, the channel having an open upstream end, for the inlet of the containers to be treated into the protective chamber, and an open downstream end, for the outlet of the treated containers from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein.

Abstract: At a conveying path 10 for continuously carrying a sheet material 1, an electron beam irradiation means 20 is arranged in opposition to at least one surface of the sheet material 1, and at least one surface of the sheet material 1 is sterilized using such an electron beam. The conveying path 10 takes shape of a hollow box surrounding the sheet material, and has an electron beam irradiation area 11 at a part of this area, while keeping a reduced-pressure state ranging from 10 to 80,000 Pa using a pressure reduction means 16. Further, the electron beam irradiation area 11 where the electron beam irradiation means 20 is arranged at least one sub area 12 at each of adjacent hollow box-shaped conveying path 10 at carry-in side and carry-out side of the sheet material, providing the pressure reduction means 16 for depressurizing the sub area 12.

Abstract: A reflector for an ultraviolet lamp can be used in a substrate processing apparatus. The reflector comprises a centrally positioned longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors to form a parabolic-type surface. The longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors have curved reflective surfaces with dichroic coatings and the longitudinal strip comprises a plurality of through holes to direct a coolant gas toward the ultraviolet lamp. A chamber that uses an ultraviolet lamp module with the reflector, and a method of ultraviolet treatment are also described.

Abstract: A system and method of cleaning an enclosure of a container defined by inner walls, including providing a container, orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly and generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency and at an energy level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of an energy level to impact the structural integrity of the container and maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container. The system may include a resonant chamber in the form of a shroud and means to effectuate the method steps and may also include a sanitizing step in which the containers are further sanitized to render inactive any organic contaminants.