Unveiling the Truth Behind UV Disinfection: Navigating the Claims and Realities
Julie Holt
12/13/20233 min read
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about contaminated indoor air became front and center. In response, several UV disinfection devices emerged on the market—not just for air quality, but also for doorway disinfection, ceiling-mounted UV lights, autonomous UV disinfection robots, and small chamber phone disinfectors. This raises important questions: Are all UV lights the same? Which are safe? Do they really disinfect?
Understanding UV Disinfection:
Ultraviolet (UV) light has been used against pathogens for over 70 years, but the wavelength or strength of the light and the duration of exposure must be controlled to achieve effective disinfection. Close-chamber devices are regulated by the FDA to ensure these requirements are met. However, open-air devices currently lack similar regulations. Upper-Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI), a proven method for pathogen control, has safety standards set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), but newer UV light solutions don’t fall under FDA or NIOSH regulations. A new form of UV, called Far UV or UV-C, is also now available.
UV-C, UVGI, CC?
Upper-Room UVGI
Upper-Room UVGI is a powerful tool for eliminating airborne pathogens. This technology involves placing specialized UV light fixtures in the upper portion of a room, at 8.5 feet or above. The UV light is potent, killing TB and other microbes, but it can harm individuals in direct contact with the light. Therefore, the apparatus is installed high enough to ensure safety while allowing air particles to encounter the light as they circulate. Since it's impossible to monitor which air particles are exposed to the light and for how long, this method is termed germicidal rather than disinfection. It effectively reduces pathogens in the air but cannot guarantee complete elimination. Due to safety concerns, these devices can only be used in spaces with high ceilings. Be cautious of claims that these devices can disinfect an entire space.
Closed-Chamber Devices
FDA-regulated closed-chamber UV devices strictly control the intensity and duration of UV light exposure to ensure accurate disinfection. FDA-approved devices can be trusted to meet these claims and are usually designed for specific medical purposes. While you can rely on closed-chamber devices, a UV cell-phone cleaner purchased online may not have FDA approval. Such devices might reduce microbes but won’t fully disinfect.
Far UV-C
Far UV-C, a segment of the UV-C spectrum (200-230 nm), gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Far UV-C is effective as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent, and it is safe for eyes and skin while still killing microbes. Several products utilizing this new UV-C technology have entered the market, though these open-air products currently lack regulation. Evidence supports Far UV-C’s effectiveness, and these products can be beneficial in settings where upper-room solutions are not feasible, such as ambulances, small waiting rooms, or older long-term care homes with poor ventilation. While lack of regulation should prompt caution, Far UV-C products are a valuable addition to existing cleaning and disinfection practices. Their improved safety compared to Upper-Room UVGI is a significant advancement.
New FDA Classification
The FDA has introduced a new classification for Whole-Room Microbial Reduction Medical Devices. This classification aims to regulate UV technologies used in healthcare environments as the industry evolves with "open-air" technologies. This recent regulation, established in the last quarter of 2023, applies to devices intended for unoccupied operating rooms, hospital rooms, and other clinical settings with non-critical medical devices, complementing manual cleaning and disinfection practices. The FDA's language focuses on microbial reduction rather than complete room disinfection.
Conclusion on UV Light?
The influx of UV products on the market demands a discerning eye. Understanding the distinctions between closed-chamber devices, Upper-Room UVGI, and emerging technologies like Far UV-C is crucial for making informed decisions. As businesses strive to create safer environments, it's essential to navigate the claims and realities of UV disinfection carefully. By staying informed and considering proven methods, we can move toward a future where indoor spaces are not only functional but also safe and healthy for everyone.
References and Additional Links
International Ultraviolet Association, White Paper Far UV-C Radiation: Current State-of Knowledge https://iuva.org/resources/covid-19/Far%20UV-C%20Radiation-%20Current%20State-of%20Knowledge.pdf
Buonanno, M., Welch, D., Shuryak, I. et al. Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses. Sci Rep 10, 10285 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67211-2
Title 21 Food And Drug Administration Department Of Health And Human ServicesSubchapter H - Medical Devices Accessed at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=880.6600
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