The Safety Behind Far-UVC Technology

Far-UVC (222nm) does not penetrate through the outermost non-living cells in the corneal epithelium (eye) or stratum corneum (skin)

Academic Approach

Publications & Studies

Providing research behind the safety of 222nm Far-UVC for continuous, occupied use with people and animals.

No Evidence of Induced Skin Cancer or Other Skin Abnormalities after Long‐Term (66 week) Chronic Exposure to 222‐nm Far‐UVC Radiation

Authors: Welch et al.

Abstract: The findings from this study support the long‐term safety of long‐term chronic exposure to far‐UVC radiation, and therefore its potential suitability as a practical anti‐microbial approach to reduce airborne viral and bacterial loads in occupied indoor settings.

222 nm far-UVC light markedly reduces the level of infectious airborne virus in an occupied room

Authors: Buonanno et al.

Abstract: This study is the first to directly demonstrate far-UVC anti-microbial efficacy against airborne pathogens in an occupied indoor location.

Germicidal Efficacy and Mammalian Skin Safety of 222-nm UV Light

Authors: Buonanno et al.

Abstract: Far-UVC light in the range of 200–222 nm kills bacteria efficiently regardless of their drug-resistant proficiency, but without the skin damaging effects associated with conventional germicidal UV exposure.

Far UV-C radiation: An emerging tool for pandemic control

“Specifically, Far UV-C has been shown to be highly effective for inactivation of airborne pathogens; yet this same radiation has minimal potential to cause damage to human skin and eye tissues. Critically, unlike UV-B, Far UV-C radiation does not substantially penetrate the dead cell layer of skin (stratum corneum) and does not reach germinative cells in the basal layer. Similarly, Far UV-C radiation does not substantially penetrate through corneal epithelium of the eye, thereby preventing exposure of germinative cells within the eye.” – Author: Ernest R. Blatchley III

What The Academics Are Saying

Science stands behind 222nm and 254nm germicidal UV light

A Far UVC Interview With Dr. David Brenner (Columbia University)

Research Proves It: Far UV Is Effective

Laboratory studies first showed that far-UVC is super efficient at killing airborne viruses, including coronaviruses and flu viruses – the type of virus or variant simply doesn’t matter. And scaling up to full-sized rooms, the most recent studies, by a joint UK-US team, have now been done in a full-sized room continuously filled with airborne microbes – just like a room with people who are continuously coughing: their results (Eadie et al 2022) imply that safe levels of far-UVC light in an occupied room can provide almost as much protection as simply stepping outside into the open air.

Dr. David Brenner, Columbia University Medical Center

Natural ventilation is unreliable and mechanical ventilation [HVAC] and room air cleaners are flow limited.  It is important to compare air disinfection strategies in terms of equivalent Air Changes per Hour (eACH).  The CDC recommends 6-12 ACH but it has to do with the infectiousness of [the pathogen.  The greater the infectiousness, the greater the eACH needed for protection. UV is efficient because it treats a large volume of air at once. Whole room Far UV, importantly, treats the air immediately around occupants and does it safely.  Over 5 million people have died from COVID, and many more are left with serious or debilitating consequences.  It is unlikely that anyone has ever suffered any serious medical consequences of UVC exposure properly deployed for air disinfection.

Dr. Ed Nardell, MD, Harvard Medical School

Krypton disinfection lighting provides the most comprehensive, effective, safe and easy to use countermeasure for dangerous pathogens in occupied spaces – where transmission is most likely to occur. It presents a transformative opportunity in our fight against Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs). Its ability to provide continuous air and surface disinfection, without disrupting clinical workflows, adds a critical layer of protection against Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) and Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). In an era where antimicrobial resistance continues to outpace new drug development, this solution could become a cornerstone in infection prevention strategy.

Dr. Robert M Honigberg, MD, fmr Chief Medical Officer, Johnson & Johnson and GE Healthcare

Why We’re Different

A lot has been shared about the opportunities to improve the safety of our occupied spaces with UV light; with a multitude of academics providing detailed peer-reviewed lab studies and industry stakeholders providing real-world case studies on the thousands of installations and millions of people successfully protected.

COVID was not our first pandemic and it will not be our last.  We began researching, developing and commercializing pathogen mitigation solutions over 30 years ago from HEPA filtration to Upper Room GUV to Whole Room Far UV and even UVC LEDs.  Our knowledge has expanded under contract with NASA, the Department of Defense and collaborations with strategic partners from Boeing to several leading healthcare institutions and more, giving us an important and deep real-world understanding for customer needs and wants and fulfilling them with higher performance, safety and reliability.  We are contributing members of almost all associations in the UV space, proud to have our products as the basis for most of the published research studies and enjoy being co-authors and subject matter experts for anyone who would like to learn more and take advantage of the opportunities.

Those can be found elsewhere on this website, in peer-reviewed publications, and we would be happy to point you in the right direction for anything you might not be able to find or have questions about.

Transparency in Product Testing

We believe in full transparency and strive to empower consumers with side-by-side evaluations when possible.

We have unfortunately been advised that, according to individual state-level EPA guidance, we may not be permitted to provide publicly available comparison data of competitive offerings on our website.

For more information, please contact us.

Product Features

Superior Option

Our solutions shine in both efficiency and adaptability. Inclusively designed for various ceiling heights, tight spaces, and demanding installations.

Why it matters: Flexible installs and better UV output encourages safer, more efficient spaces.

UV (222 nm) light provides an effective, autonomous, and continuous pathogen inactivation system for occupied spaces. While the most common current alternative for sanitation in occupied spaces requires workers to wipe down chairs, counters, and any other surface between contact with each individual, it is not practical in practice, puts those workers at risk, and is subject to human error, like missing spots. Not to mention, wiping surfaces down does not address the airborne threat at all.

Safety

Our filter blocks harmful wavelengths and built-in sensors adjust output in real-time based on proximity, occupancy, and room activity.

Why it matters: Designed with kids, pets, and immunocompromised individuals in mind.

UV (222 nm) light does not penetrate beyond the outermost nonliving layer of human and/or animal skin or eyes. While conventional UV-C lamps or LEDs (typically operating at 254nm or 270nm) commonly available today are much safer than sunlight, they can still penetrate to living cells and potentially be harmful to the skin and eyes with extended exposure. As a result, those UV-C systems are typically not utilized to sanitize whole room occupied spaces. UV (222 nm), in contrast, can sanitize whole room occupied spaces without those same risks.

Real-time UV sensing automatically adjusts output for maximum protection with minimal energy use. Our sensing tech ensures consistent performance throughout the bulb’s lifespan, reducing early failure risks.

Additionally, our 254nm Lexus Upper Room systems are safe for use in occupied spaces when installed according to NALMCO guidelines. 

Effective for Sanitizing

Optimized for rapid pathogen elimination with precision UV output. Our systems are tested and validated, specializing in viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens.

Why it matters: Fewer touchpoints, more consistent disinfection, less downtime.

Krypton Far UV (222 nm) lamps are often advantageous over existing UV-C systems (typically operating at 254nm or 265nm) when targeting viruses or surfaces.  Our 254nm or 265nm systems can be more effective against bacteria.  We’ll often recommend a mix of products to get the best of both worlds.

Far UV Product Features

Applications

We are working hard to enable new industry standards for safety and raise awareness of this groundbreaking air and surface pathogen inactivation technology, providing much more practical, safe, and efficient solutions for large important markets and applications including:​

Healthcare

Consumer

Foundations

Venues

Office

Livestock

Department of Defense

Worship

Schools

Transport

Government

Retail

  • Defense and Government facilities
  • K-12 schools and universities
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Transportation (buses, airplanes, trains, subways, ferries and cruise ships)
  • Public facilities (airports, city halls, courts, museums, theaters, amusement parks, bathrooms)
  • Detention centers
  • Elderly care facilities
  • Childcare facilities
  • Commercial office, elevators, and stairwells
  • Hotels, resorts, and casinos
  • Restaurants/Retail
  • Athletic facilities (stadiums, locker rooms, suites and equipment)
  • Houses of Worship
  • Entertainment Venues
  • Conference Centers
  • Food preparation, delivery and shelf life applications
  • Grocery and convenience stores
  • Industrial facilities
  • Space applications

Partners, Affiliations, and Certifications

Far UV Trusted Partners and Affiliates