Far-UV

What is Far-UV (222 nm)?

Far-UV refers to ultraviolet light in the 200-230 nm range, with 222 nm being the most widely deployed wavelength.

At this wavelength, light is:

Highly effective at inactivating bacteria, viruses, and spores
Strongly absorbed by proteins and biomolecules
Non-penetrating beyond outer dead-cell layer

This unique combination enables continuous disinfection in occupied spaces-a capability not possible with conventional UV.

How Far-UV Works

Far-UV light inactivates pathogens by damaging their DNA or RNA, preventing replication. This mechanism is the same fundamental germicidal action as traditional UV but with a critical difference:

Microorganisms (micron-scale) are fully penetrated and inactivated
Human skin and eye tissue (much thicker) are not penetrated beyond the outermost dead-cell layers

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This creates a selective biological effect-lethal to pathogens, but safe for humans and animals when used within guidelines.

Skin Safety

Far-UV does not penetrate the stratum corneum

Eye Safety

Far-UV does not penetrate the cornea

222 nm vs 254 nm: Key Differences

Feature	Far-UV (222 nm)	Traditional UV (254 nm)
Germicidal effectiveness	Comparable or superior in many studies	Proven, highly effective
Human safety	Safe for occupied spaces	Harmful to skin and eyes
Penetration depth	Extremely shallow (outer dead cell layers only)	Deeper penetration into living tissue
Use during occupancy	Yes (continuous disinfection)	No (requires empty space or shielding)
Air disinfection	Real-time, continuous	Intermittent or upper-room only
Surface disinfection	Continuous background reduction	Periodic, high-dose treatment

Why 222 nm Matters

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Studies show comparable bactericidal and antiviral efficacy between 222 nm and 254 nm
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A large meta-analysis found 222 nm may be more effective overall across multiple organisms
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Far-UV has demonstrated >99% inactivation of airborne viruses in real-world environments

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Key Takeaway 254 nm is effective but 222 nm achieves similar results while enabling continuous, real-time pathogen reduction.

Safety: The Critical Advantage of 222 nm

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Strongly absorbed by proteins, limiting penetration into living tissue
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Cannot reach or damage living cells in skin or eyes under proper exposure limits
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Studies show significantly less DNA damage compared to 254 nm
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No measurable long-term eye or skin damage under controlled exposure

By contrast:

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254 nm UV penetrates deeper into tissue, causing burns, eye injury, and DNA damage
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It can only be used in unoccupied or shielded environments

Why This Matters for Real-World Applications

Traditional UV (254 nm) Limitations:

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Requires shutdowns or restricted access
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Provides intermittent disinfection
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Leaves gaps between treatment cycles

Far-UV (222 nm) Advantages:

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Continuous disinfection while people or animals are present
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Reduces pathogen load in real time
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Works in air and on surfaces simultaneously
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Complements ventilation and filtration systems

Far-UV (222 nm) enables continuous, always-on disinfection in occupied environments.

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Airports & Transportation

Enhances public confidence in travel safety
Operates continuously without interrupting passenger flow
Reduces airborne transmission risk in crowded spaces

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Fitness Facilities & Gyms

Reduces airborne pathogens during high respiration activity
Provides continuous background disinfection between cleanings
Supports member rotation through visible health measures

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Restaurants & Hospitality

Continuous air and surface pathogen reduction during service
No disruption to guest experience
Reinforces cleanliness and brand trust

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Residential Communities & Multi-Unit Housing

Reduces cross-resident exposure risk
Works continuously without requiring behavior change
Acids a scalable health feature for property operators

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Long-Term Care Facilities & Senior Living

Helps reduce risk of respiratory and infectious disease
Adds a continuous layer of protection for vulnerable populations
Supports stellar, more confident care environments

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Offices, Schools & Gathering Spaces

Protect their work and learning environments
Reduces absences related to sickness
Supports productivity and peace of mind

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Agriculture & Livestock Facilities

Reduces airborne pathogens and disease transmission
Supports bioscience and animal health
Improves productivity and operational outcomes

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Food Processing & Storage

Improves feed safety by reducing microbacterial load
Operates to support compliance continuously
Enhances product quality and shelf life

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Healthcare & Medical Facilities

Reduces healthcare-associated infections
Provides continuous protection in patient and common areas
Complements existing infection control programs

What is Far-UV (222 nm)?

How Far-UV Works