Far-Ultraviolet Sterilizers – Cutting-Edge Technology To Sterilize the World

 

Overview: The Far-UV Sterilizers

Far ultraviolet (far UV) sterilizers use cutting-edge technology that eradicates microbes. Unlike conventional UV-C sterilization, which can be harmful to human skin and eyes, far-UV sterilizers emit shorter wavelengths (around 222 nanometers).

This wavelength range is very effective at deactivating microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. At the same time, it’s harmless to human tissues. Researchers investigated the applications of far UV sterilization, including the disinfection of hospitals, schools, stadiums, hotels, and public transportation.

In this article, we will briefly explain how far-UV light sterilizers work and then contrast this technology with conventional UV sterilization.

How do far-UV sterilizers work?

Far-UV light sends potent light energy (i.e., photons) that disintegrate the membranes of all microbes, with a success rate of approximately 99% in less than 16 minutes. This is more efficient than most other technologies.

Moreover, the use of far-UV light sterilizers is very convenient since a small device can decontaminate large areas.

In fact, most researchers consider far-UV light sterilizers to be superior relative to the conventional chemical-based disinfection methods, which carry numerous health adverse effects if applied for a long time.

A 2022 study concluded that far-UV sterilization is extremely effective at eradicating microbes. More specifically, researchers stated that this technology is more effective against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19).

Another study investigated the effects of far-UV sterilization on viruses. Here are some statistics:

• 8 minutes led to 90% viral inactivation
• 11 minutes led to 95% viral inactivation
• 16 minutes led to 99% viral inactivation
• 25 minutes led to 99.99% viral inactivation

Difference between conventional UV sterilizers and far-UV sterilizers

UV sterilization and far UV sterilization both use ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect and kill microorganisms.

Here are a few differences between conventional and far-UV sterilizers:

Wavelength range

UV sterilization – This generally refers to the use of UV-C light, which operates at wavelengths around 254 nanometers. UV-C light damages the DNA or RNA of microorganisms, preventing them from replicating and causing infections.

Far-UV sterilization – Also known as “222 nm far-UVC,” this method emits a shorter wavelength of UV light. Far UV light also disintegrates the genetic information of microbes, with the added advantage of not harming human tissues.

Safety

UV sterilization – UV-C light can be harmful to human skin and eyes. In fact, long-term exposure to UV-C light can irritate the skin and eyes. Therefore, UV-C sterilization is more practical in unoccupied spaces or with strict safety measures.

Far-UV sterilization – Far UV light is significantly less harmful to human tissues. This makes it potentially safer for occupied spaces, including hospitals, schools, hotels, and stadiums.

Applications

UV sterilization – UV-C sterilization has been widely used for disinfection in various applications, such as water treatment, surface disinfection, and air purification in HVAC systems. However, its human safety concerns limit its use in occupied spaces.

Far-UV sterilization – The applications of far-UV sterilization are wider since it does not affect humans.

Takeaway message

Far-UV light is a harmless technology that has great potential to disinfect populated areas without placing humans at risk.

Hopefully, this article managed to highlight the superiority of far-UV light in decontaminating large areas in the presence of humans.

If you are interested in getting your far-UV light devices, click on this link.