An approach for the treatment of surfaces in public places with ultraviolet light is disclosed. In one embodiment, a disinfection illuminator having ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a number of contact surfaces. A control unit can control the ultraviolet irradiation of the contact surfaces. The disinfection illuminator is suitable for a wide variety of devices that are used by the general public. Gas station pumps, door knobs, key pads, and bathrooms are illustrative of examples of some devices and places having commonly-used surfaces that can be treated by the disinfection illuminator.