Understanding Far-UV

Many people recognize ultraviolet light as UV-A and UV-B, which are the wavelengths emitted by the sun. However, UV-C, a shorter wavelength, is less commonly understood; it never reaches the Earth's surface as it is absorbed by the ozone layer.  

For over a century, researchers have been generating UV-C artificially using specialized lamps to eliminate pathogens in water, air, and on surfaces. Due to its powerful germicidal properties, UV-C is frequently referred to as germicidal UV.  All wavelengths within the UV-C range (200–280 nm) have the ability to inactivate pathogens. 

Notably, wavelengths below 230 nm offer a distinct advantage: this light cannot penetrate the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) or the tear layer of the eye. 

This finding paved the way for the safe, continuous application of germicidal UV in occupied environments, marking the beginning of the Far-UV era at 222 nm.

Far-UV light is able to kill bacteria, viruses, molds, and spores in the same fashion as traditional UVGI. Far-UV and traditional UVC cleans all the air exposed to the light, dramatically increasing the air cleanliness of our shared spaces. The greatest advantage of Far-UV is the ability to shine its light downwards in occupied rooms safely.

Numerous research studies show Far-UV is as effective at inactivating infectious contaminants as traditional UV, without the health risk to skin and eyes. By introducing Sterilray to any existing mitigation process, indoor air can be cleaned more rapidly and efficiently without risk of harm to occupants as verified by UL 8802 testing.