Far-UVC FAQ

Questions we get asked

What is Far-UVC?

Ultraviolet light at about 222nm. It inactivates viruses and bacteria but is absorbed by the dead outer layer of skin and the tear film of the eye before it reaches a living cell, which is why it can run with people in the room.

How is it different from the UV light hospitals use?

Hospital UV lamps run at 254nm. They burn skin and eyes, so they are only used in empty rooms or sealed ducts. 222nm does not reach living cells at the doses used for sanitising.

Is it the same as "UV-C"?

It is the short end of the UV-C band. When a product just says "UV-C", assume it means 254nm and assume it is not safe to be under.

How does it kill germs?

The light is absorbed by the germ's genetic material and proteins and damages them, so it cannot copy itself or infect anyone. Viruses and bacteria are small enough for the light to pass right through.

What does it work on?

Published studies cover coronaviruses including the COVID virus, flu, norovirus, Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA, a wide range of other bacteria, bacterial spores and common airborne allergens. The studies.

Does it work on norovirus?

Yes, with two caveats. Norovirus is tougher than flu or coronavirus and needs a higher dose, and dried vomit shields it on surfaces. In a working room, 222nm ceiling units cut airborne norovirus by 99.8%. After an incident you still clean the area.

How quickly does it work?

At the dose we use with people present, airborne coronavirus is down by about 90% in eight minutes and 99.9% in twenty five. On a surface under a laboratory lamp, the COVID virus was 99.7% gone in thirty seconds. The way to think about it is as a continuous reduction in the germs in the room, like adding several air changes an hour.

Is it safe?

Yes, when the lamp is filtered and the dose is kept inside the limits, which the ProTech 2 does. Studies on skin, eyes and long term exposure at doses many times higher than ours found no harm. In 2022 the American limit for 222nm was raised to 161 mJ/cm² a day for the eye and 479 for the skin on that evidence. Safety.

Can I see it? Will it hurt my eyes?

You cannot see it. The eye studies found no damage at hundreds of times the hourly dose. The unit sits in the ceiling and has a small pulsing light so staff can see it is on.

Does it make ozone?

Krypton chloride lamps can make a small amount. Our placement plans take the room's ventilation into account and this is not an issue.

Is it safe for children, pregnant women, people with skin conditions?

The protection comes from the outer layer of skin and the tear film, which everyone has. No study has found harm to any group at the limits. People with rare, severe light sensitivity should take similar precautions to those that they take with daylight.

Will it fade my furnishings?

Years of UV can discolour some plastics and fabrics, as sunlight does. We take sensitive finishes into account when planning where units go.

What is the ProTech 2?

Our ceiling mounted 222nm unit. 22cm across, 20W, a Ushio Care222 filtered lamp, motion and LiDAR sensors, networked and managed remotely, CE and UKCA certified. The ProTech 2.

How many do I need?

One unit covers about 20 square metres under a 3m ceiling. A cruise ship's public spaces take around 300; a merchant ship's crew areas around 15; a 100 cover restaurant somewhere between eight and a dozen depending on the layout. We produce a plan for each space.

How is it fitted?

Like a downlight. A ceiling cut-out, mains power and a wireless connection. Your electrician can do it. We can supply the plan, commission the units and check them remotely.

What does it cost to run?

About 20W a unit, less when the room is empty, and a lamp every two to three years. No chemicals, no filters, no labour.

Does it replace cleaning or ventilation?

It sits on top of them. Food safety, hand washing, cleaning and ventilation all carry on; Far-UVC deals with the air and the time between cleans.

Can it go on a ship?

Yes, and it has already been deployed on several.