What is far-UVC?

Far-UVC is a form of low-wavelength light (electromagnetic radiation) in the 200-230nm wavelength band. Wall- and ceiling-mounted far-UVC emitters can rapidly kill bacteria and viruses in the air and on surfaces, with minimal apparent safety risks for human occupants.

Why is it promising?

Far-UVC's ability to rapidly inactivate pathogens, without posing health risks to humans, makes it a highly promising technology for reducing pathogen transmission in indoor environments. Sufficiently intense far-UVC could drastically suppress transmission via ambient pathogens in the air, and potentially even via large respiratory droplets passing between people in conversation. Widespread adoption of far-UVC in workplaces and other indoor spaces could pre-emptively suppress almost any future respiratory pandemic.

What is SecureBio doing?

Before far-UVC can fulfil this potential, further research is needed — including both additional high-quality safety studies and more detailed information on efficacy. In 2022, SecureBio began leading efforts to develop a coordinated research plan to address these needs. We have convened almost two dozen world-leading experts on the photobiological effects on skin and eyes, as well as experts on indoor air chemistry, for a series of meetings and workshops. When released, the research plan will lay the groundwork for further development of far-UVC as a pandemic-suppressing technology, both at SecureBio and elsewhere.