Far UVC Germicidal Lights Safety
Why is Care222® Safe?
The 222nm wavelength used with Care222® is safe because it is absorbed by the dead skin layer of the stratum corneum and the upper layer of the cornea of the eye. This absorption prevents the light from penetrating deeper into the skin or eyes, thereby eliminating the risk of skin cancer or eye disease. Unlike traditional UVC light bulbs operating at wavelengths like 254nm and 265nm, which can be harmful to human tissues, Far UVC light at 222nm is safe for human exposure.
Care222® employs specialized UVC light bulbs designed to emit this specific 222nm wavelength. These bulbs effectively inactivate bacteria and viruses without posing health risks. The unique properties of Far UVC light make it an ideal choice for continuous disinfection in occupied spaces, such as healthcare facilities, public areas, and workplaces.
The efficacy of UVC light bulbs in disinfection stems from their ability to destroy the DNA/RNA of microorganisms, making them incapable of reproduction and rendering them harmless.
Further Reading
News Release: “Kobe University-Ushio Inc. Joint Study Shows Irradiation of Filtered 222 nm Far UV-C Light on Human Skin Reduces Bacterial Counts While Causing No Skin Damage” (2020)
News Release: “Kobe University-Ushio Inc. Joint Study Finds Repetitive Irradiation with 222 nm UV-C Does Not Cause Skin Cancer” (2020)
Ushio Inc. / National University Hospital Singapore succeed in bacterial disinfection of injuries using 222 nm ultraviolet (2017)
DIRECTIVE 2006/25/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 5 April 2006 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation) (19th individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)
Care222® excimer lamps from Ushio America, Inc.
Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses
Exploratory clinical trial on the safety and bactericidal effect of 222-nm ultraviolet C irradiation in healthy humans