Whole-room GUV
Whole-room GUV (commonly referred to as Far-UV) uses specially designed GUV fixtures mounted on walls or ceilings to create a treatment zone of ultraviolet (UV) energy that extends throughout an occupied space. While standard GUV fixtures emit UV energy at a wavelength around 254 nanometers (nm), far-UV devices use different lamps to emit UV energy at a wavelength around 222 nm. Aside from the wavelength, a major difference between the two technologies is that standard GUV systems are generally designed to avoid exposing people to the UV energy, while many far-UV devices are marketed as safe for exposing people and their direct environment to UV energy. Recent research has indicated 222 nm energy is much safer for humans than once thought. In fact, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recently increased their Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) 7-fold for eyes and over 20-fold for skin exposed to 222 nm energy. This increase was in response to data showing 222 nm energy does not penetrate the tear layer of the eye or the layer of dead skin (stratum corneum) that protect living skin beneath. Research studies also indicate that far-UV wavelengths can effectively inactivate microorganisms, including human coronaviruses, when appropriate UV doses are applied under experimental conditions. However, there are still some questions about how effective 222 nm energy can be in real occupied spaces against human-generated pathogens when UV exposures are controlled to safe limits.
Far-UV is a promising technology that may well prove to be effective at treating air and surfaces, without some of the safety precautions required for standard GUV. Due to the potential promise this technology represents, there are substantial private and public research activities underway to further validate claims of safety and efficacy. In the near term, whole-room GUV is best viewed as new and emerging technology. Consumers considering an emerging technology such as Far-UV should read FAQ #12 on emerging technologies below.
Potential Application: Air and surface treatment in occupied indoor environments.
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