When used correctly and safely, Far-UVC technology can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and maintain a sanitized environment in occupied spaces.
Far-UVC technology is an innovative approach to disinfection and pathogen control. It involves the use of ultraviolet light in the Far-UVC range, specifically in the wavelength range of approximately 200 to 230 nanometers (nm), to inactivate microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Far-UVC light is distinct from conventional UVC disinfection methods in that it is believed to be safer for human exposure while remaining highly effective at destroying pathogens.
The key advantages of Far-UVC technology include its ability to target and inactivate microorganisms without harming human tissues because the shorter wavelengths have limited penetration into the skin and eyes. This safety profile makes it suitable for use in various environments where people congregate, such as hospitals, public transportation, and indoor spaces, to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Far-UVC technology is continually evolving, with ongoing research, development, and applications in the field of public health and disinfection. It represents a promising tool for continually improving indoor air and surface hygiene while overcoming the risks and limitations of traditional UVC germicidal methods.
UVC light is a type of ultraviolet radiation. It falls within the ultraviolet spectrum (a wavelength range of 400-100nm), which includes UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. While most individuals are familiar with UVA and UVB rays in connection with sunlight, UVC light has unique properties and is often used for various purposes, including disinfection and sanitization. UVC has gained significant attention, especially since the pandemic, due to its remarkable ability to rapidly and effectively deactivate pathogens.
Here are some key characteristics and applications of UVC light:
Wavelength: UVC light has a wavelength ranging from 100 to 280 nanometers (nm), which places it in the short-wave ultraviolet range. UVC radiation is the most energetic of the three types of UV rays, which also include UVA and UVB.
Disinfection and Sanitization: UVC light is highly effective in disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces, air, and water. It damages the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold, preventing their replication and rendering them inactive. UVC light is widely used in hospitals, laboratories, water treatment facilities, and other settings to decontaminate equipment, air, and water.
Germicidal Lamps: UVC lamps, often referred to as germicidal lamps, emit UVC radiation to sanitize and disinfect various environments. These lamps are commonly used in healthcare settings, food processing, and HVAC systems to reduce the risk of infection and contamination.
Inactivation of Microorganisms: UVC light disrupts the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing infections. This is a non-chemical method of disinfection that does not leave residues or byproducts, making it environmentally friendly.
Air and Surface Disinfection: UVC lamps and devices are used to disinfect air, surfaces, and objects. For example, UVC systems can be installed in air ducts to disinfect circulating air, and UVC robots are used to sanitize hospital rooms.
Upper Room UVC: This technology involves installing UVC lamps in the upper part of a room. The UVC light disinfects the air as it circulates upwards, reducing the concentration of pathogens in the room.
UVC light is a valuable tool for disinfection and sanitization, especially in settings where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial. When used correctly and safely, it can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and maintain a sanitized environment.
Far-UVC light is a relatively recent innovation in the field of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology. The concept of Far-UVC light for germicidal purposes began to gain attention in the early 21st century. Researchers started exploring the potential of UV light in the Far-UVC range, specifically between 200 to 230 nanometers (nm), as it was believed to be less harmful to human skin and eyes compared to traditional UVC (254 nm) germicidal lamps.
Scientists recognized that the shorter wavelengths of Far-UVC light have limited penetration into biological tissues, which means it could effectively target and damage pathogens while posing minimal risk to humans. This safety advantage fueled interest in its development. Research studies conducted in the mid-2010s provided evidence of Far-UVC light’s efficacy in inactivating a range of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, without harming human cells. This validation encouraged further investigation and development.
Far-UVC technology started to be commercialized and applied in various settings, such as healthcare facilities, public transportation, and indoor environments where disinfection is crucial for public health and safety. Research has continued to refine the technology, optimize dosages, and investigate its applications in different scenarios. Further studies aimed to address questions related to the effective use of Far-UVC light in real-world situations.
Far-UVC light gained particular attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential tool for mitigating the spread of the virus in indoor spaces. Its use was explored as a complementary measure to other preventive strategies.
Over the past year, agencies and health authorities have been developing guidelines for the safe and effective use of Far-UVC light. It’s expected that as research continues and the technology matures, more regulations and standards will be established. Far-UVC light holds great promise for reducing the transmission of infectious diseases while minimizing harm to humans, making it an area of active interest and innovation in the field of disinfection and public health.
Far-UVC light is produced in germicidal lamps through a process that involves a specialized type of lamp and the generation of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the specific Far-UVC wavelength range of approximately 200 to 230 nanometers (nm). Here’s how Far-UVC light is produced in germicidal lamps:
Gas Discharge Lamps: Far-UVC germicidal lamps typically use gas discharge lamps, which are different from traditional incandescent lamps. The most common type of gas used in these lamps is krypton chloride. These gases are contained within a sealed glass tube.
Electrical Excitation: To produce UV light, an electrical discharge is applied to the gas-filled tube. This discharge is often generated by an electrode at each end of the tube. When an electric current passes through the gas, it excites the gas molecules.
Photon Emission: The excited gas molecules release energy in the form of photons. These photons are emitted at various wavelengths, including the desired Far-UVC wavelength range of 200 to 230 nm. The dominate wavelength of emission for the krypton-chloride lamp is 222nm.
Filtering: Germicidal lamps may include filters or other optical components to further narrow the emitted spectrum, ensuring that the majority of the UV radiation falls within the Far-UVC range. This is particularly important to eliminate longer wavelength (greater than 235nm) UVC photons which may be damaging to human tissue.
Output: The resulting UV radiation from the lamp contains Far-UVC light, which is effective at inactivating microorganisms. This emitted light can be directed and used for disinfection purposes.
Far-UVC (far-ultraviolet C) light has shown promise as an effective tool for disinfection and reducing the spread of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Far-UVC light in the wavelength range of approximately 200 to 230 nanometers (nm) has germicidal properties. It can damage the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, rendering them nonviable and unable to replicate.
Far-UVC light can be effective in reducing airborne pathogens. It is particularly useful in spaces like hospitals, public transportation, and indoor environments where people congregate. Continuous or intermittent use of Far-UVC lamps can help reduce the risk of disease transmission through the air.
Far-UVC light is also effective for disinfecting surfaces. It can be used to disinfect objects, equipment, and surfaces in healthcare settings, public areas, and food processing facilities, reducing the risk of surface contamination and the spread of pathogens.Far-UVC light has the potential to reduce the microbial load in various environments, leading to a decrease in the risk of infection and the need for chemical disinfectants.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of Far-UVC light depends on factors such as the intensity of the light, exposure time, distance from the light source, and the specific pathogen being targeted. Research is ongoing to further study its effectiveness, safety, and optimal application.
One of the primary advantages of Far-UVC light is that it is believed to be safe for human exposure in controlled doses. This is because Far-UVC light has a limited ability to penetrate human or animal skin and eyes, making it less harmful to living tissues compared to longer-wavelength UV radiation.
UVC is often categorized by the lamp type utilized and the wavelength emitted, expressed as nanometers (nm). In today’s market, traditional UVC is often produced by low-pressure mercury vapor lamps emitting 254nm. Newer, UVC LED modules emit at a range between 260-280nm. And now, krypton-chloride excimer lamps are able to emit in the human-safe range of 222nm.
The safety of UV light on the skin depends on both the wavelength and the intensity of the light. The greater the exposure to UV light, the higher the risk of skin damage. However, this risk is also influenced by the wavelength of the UV light, with shorter wavelengths being safer for human skin. This is because shorter wavelengths do not penetrate the skin as deeply as longer wavelengths.
So, while traditional UVC light can penetrate the skin and may cause skin irritations, limiting its application to unoccupied rooms, Far-UVC possesses a shorter penetration depth, enabling a broader range of applications while minimizing the risk to human health.
Far-UVC, which has the shortest wavelength discussed, cannot penetrate the tear layer of oureyes or the outermost skin layer, known as the Stratum Corneum. Far-UVC is either scattered or absorbed by these outer layers, effectively shielding the underlying living tissue, making it safe for human eyes and skin. This unique property allows for a greater capacity to clean occupied spaces.
Currently, most UV cleaning systems are confined to air ducts, enclosed spaces, or directed at ceilings to make use of longer, more cost-effective wavelengths. Small spaces like bathrooms and elevators pose challenges for effective cleaning due to limited airflow, persistent pathogen sources, and concerns about surface contamination. Human-safe Far-UVC presents an ideal solution for these challenging, high-traffic areas.
Some of the applications of Far-UVC light include:
Air Disinfection: Far-UVC light can be used in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and other ventilation systems to disinfect the air by killing airborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. It is particularly useful in spaces like hospitals, schools, and public transportation.
Surface Disinfection: Far-UVC light can be applied to disinfect surfaces in hospitals, public restrooms, and other high-traffic areas. It is effective in reducing the microbial load on frequently touched surfaces.
Water Disinfection: Far-UVC light can be employed for disinfecting water in treatment plants and public pools to eliminate harmful microorganisms without the need for chemical disinfectants.
Food and Beverage Processing: Far-UVC light can be used in the food and beverage industry to disinfect packaging materials, conveyors, and equipment to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
Medical Equipment Sanitize: Far-UVC light can be used to sanitize medical equipment, such as surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other devices, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Occupational Safety: Far-UVC light can be used in occupied spaces, such as laboratories and cleanrooms, to maintain a sterile environment while minimizing the risk to personnel.
Public Transportation: Far-UVC lighting systems can be installed in public transportation vehicles like buses, trains, and airplanes to continuously disinfect the air and surfaces, providing passengers with a cleaner and safer travel environment.
Home and Office Disinfection: Far-UVC lamps and fixtures can be installed in homes and offices to disinfect the air and surfaces, reducing the spread of germs and pathogens.
Healthcare Facilities: Far-UVC light can be used in healthcare facilities, including waiting rooms, patient rooms, and operating rooms, to help reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Research Laboratories: Far-UVC light can be used in research laboratories to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
A pathogen is a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or parasite, that can cause disease in its host, which can be a plant, animal, or human. Pathogens have evolved various mechanisms to invade and infect their host organisms, leading to a wide range of infectious diseases. These diseases can have a significant impact on the health of the host and can spread from one host to another.
Common types of pathogens include:
Bacteria: Pathogenic bacteria can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, strep throat, and urinary tract infections. Far-UVC light can effectively inactivate various bacterial species, including drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and drug-sensitive bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and tuberculosis-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Viruses: Viruses are responsible for a wide range of diseases, including the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19. Far-UVC light has been shown to inactivate a range of viruses, including coronaviruses.
Fungi: Fungal pathogens can lead to infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and various fungal skin infections. Far-UVC light can also be effective against fungal pathogens, which can cause a variety of infections, including skin and nail fungal infections.
Parasites: Parasites, such as protozoa and helminths (worms), can cause diseases like malaria, giardiasis, and schistosomiasis. There is limited research on its direct effectiveness against parasites, such as protozoa and helminths. Parasites are typically more complex organisms than bacteria and viruses, and their susceptibility to specific wavelengths of UV light may vary.
