Far-UVC
UV light has been known to inactivate pathogens, bacteria, and viruses for over 100 years. A little over a decade ago, a portion of the UV spectrum, known as UV-C, was discovered to be effective against airborne microbes without the harm to human skin and eyes caused by UV-A and UV-B. (Though bulb wattage, distance from the light, time spent exposed, and filtration of bulb lenses must be considered in development and use!!)
Studies and Articles
- Far-UVC (222 nm) efficiently inactivates an airborne pathogen in a room-sized chamber (Eadie, E., Hiwar, W., Fletcher, L. et al. Sci Rep 12, 4373 (2022).)
- Inactivation Rates for Airborne Human Coronavirus by Low Doses of 222 nm Far-UVC Radiation(Welch D, Buonanno M, Buchan AG, et al., (2022) Viruses, Volume 14, Issue 4, March 2022, Article number 684)
- Filter-Free, Harmless, and Single-Wavelength Far UV-C Germicidal Light for Reducing Airborne Pathogenic Viral Infection
- Ninewells research: Is Far UVC lighting the way to a Covid-19 and flu-free future? St Andrews and Dundee-based scientists are at the forefront of “trailblazing” international research (Article in the Courier by Michael Alexander, October 2023)
Safety Considerations
- Effects on indoor air quality
- There is some concern that prolonged use of UV light may contribute to higher ozone levels, which can be harmful to the lungs. According to one study, these effects can be reduced/mitigated: "GUV222 should be used at the lowest intensities possible and in concert with ventilation, decreasing levels of airborne pathogens while mitigating the formation of air pollutants in indoor environments." (from "Indoor Air Quality Implications of Germicidal 222 nm Light" (May 2023 Victoria Barber, Matthew Goss, Lesly Franco Deloya)