Let's try this: What air filter are you using?

[lightning9191]

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Considering smoke isn't 'alive' I don't know what a short burst of uv light is going to have on it. I am certain that UV sterilization works for organisms, but pushing it to "kill" smoke seems a stretch.

If I had to guess, it's possible that the UV light is breaking down the odiferous (you don't get to use that word often) compounds into something that either doesn't smell or smells less vile. UV light does a pretty good job of energizing molecules, thus leading to chemical breakdowns or skin cancer.

Edit: After writing this I checked out my sources (Wikipedia) and they back me up. Check it out here. It's under the heading of air purification