A basic primer on Far-UVC technology
Far-UVC is a subset of high energy, short wavelength UVC light (200-230nm) under the umbrella of ultraviolet light (100-400nm). As with all UV (ultraviolet) light, these wavelengths are invisible to the human eye, but can impact us and our surroundings. Far-UVC is not naturally occurring, as all UVC light from the sun is absorbed before reaching Earth. UVC and Far-UVC light can be generated through specialized bulbs and LEDs to kill or inactivate microbes.
UVC light is strongly absorbed by DNA, RNA, and proteins of cells and microbes. When absorbed, DNA and RNA develop breaks in their strands that cannot be repaired after a certain amount of damage is accumulated. Proteins are similarly inactivated by UVC light, limiting the microbe’s ability to repair the damage from the UVC light. The exposed microbes are unable to reproduce, effectively killing them.
Most commercial use of UVC light uses 254nm light (we call traditional UVC). The difference between traditional UVC and 222nm UVC is that 222nm UVC is a shorter wavelength. 222nm UVC does not penetrate skin and other materials as well as traditional UVC, allowing 222nm light to be used in ways traditional 254nm cannot.
Yes, Far-UVC is safe for use in occupied spaces. Far-UVC has a very short penetration depth. It’s unable to pass through most material, including glass and plastic, making it easy to contain. Far-UVC penetration depth is so short, it is unable to pass through the dead layer of skin all humans have, or even the protective tear coat of our eyes.
UVC targets the DNA and proteins of microbes, making it a broad-spectrum solution for microbe removal. UVC has been demonstrated to inactivate microbes from viruses and bacteria to spores and molds, including antibiotic resistant pathogens. The efficacy of UVC light has been demonstrated and reported against most common contaminants and human pathogens, including E. coli, M. tuberculosis, Salmonella, MRSA, C. difficile, Acinetobacter, influenza, hepatitis A, Candida Auri, and SARS CoV-2, to name a few.
Far-UVC technology has the potential for use in various settings, including healthcare, commercial buildings, sports applications, and government spaces, to reduce the burden of pathogen in the air in vital spaces.
John Rajchert, Co-founder and CEO of Lit Thinking ™
