The Global Lighting Association released a 13-page document offering its opinion on UV-C lighting and its ability to disinfect areas.
Germicidal ultraviolet irradiation (also known as ultraviolet disinfection lighting) is a proven methodology for inactivating viruses on solid surfaces, in water and in air. As such it is expected to be a useful tool in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. UV-C is a category of ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 100-280 nanometres and is the most effective UV light for disinfection.
The Global Lighting Association’s document discusses disinfection properties of UV-C and the various UV-C disinfection light sources in common use (mercury lamps, pulsed-driven xenon lamps, excimer lamps and UV light emitting diodes). It provides an overview of applications and products, including air disinfection, open controlled access locations, partially open upper-air disinfection luminaires, closed HVAC systems and water disinfection. Appendices cover the performance of various UV light sources as well as standards and regulations relevant to UV-C devices in selected countries and regions.
The report says, “UV-C devices are considered safe if they meet the electrical, thermal, mechanical, human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and photobiological safety requirements provided in IEC and UL standards.” It adds “special attention needs to be given to UV-C irradiance hazards, which can damage the human eye and cause severe sunburn-like reaction to the human skin.”
The association also provides guidance for installation and users of UV-C lighting. You can download the entire GLA report by clicking here.