Is the SteriPEN effective against worm eggs?
We have tested SteriPEN only against bacteria, viruses and the protozoa Cryptosporidium and Giardia. We have never tested against worm eggs so unfortunately we cannot give a definite answer with regards to UV treatment in this case. As to our pre-filter we do not make microbiological claims about it as it is really just intended to remove large particulates. The pore size is 4 microns by 4 microns square, it is a nylon material comparable to a coffee filter. While there is not a lot of literature in UV treatment of worm eggs, you may be interested in this Parasitology Research website. When reading this keep in mind that the UV wavelengths emitted by SteriPEN are in the Mercury band with a primary energy output at 254 nanometers (in the UV-C range). Also, SteriPEN?s 1 liter treatment time is 90 seconds and generally delivers over 100 milijoules/sq.cm. during this dose. Below is a quote from the above site: “The UVC lamp significantly inhibited the infectivity of taeniid eggs in rats. T
