222nm
Far-
UVC
Larson Electronics, LLC
Phone: (800) 369-6671
Fax: (903) 498-3364
www.larsonelectronics.com
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of
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Ultraviolet Radiation Safety
WARNING:
Do not attempt
operation
until you are familiar with all warnings, precautions, and procedures outlined within
this instruction sheet.
OPERATION
PRECAUTIONS
•
UV LIGHT WARNING:
Far
UV-C
has been shown in studies to be less harmful to eyes and skin compared to
standard 254nm germicidal lamps.
254nm UV-C
light can cause temporary or permanent loss of vision, and
temporary acute
redness or ulceration (mild to severe sunburn) to exposed skin.
o
In a comparison of UVC-induced premutagenic skin lesions CPD (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) and
6-
4PP (photoproducts) in the dorsal epidermis of mice, Far UV-C light was shown to not cause skin
lesions in the tests. A UV dose of 157 mJ/cm2 was used for both 254 and 222 nm.
1
o
In a study of the effects of Far-UV light on the eye, Far UV-C (222nm) light was shown to be absorbed
in the outer surface of the Cornea and is much less likely to cause cataracts.
•
UV LIGHT SAFETY:
Independent studies have shown that Far UV-C light is less likely to be harmful to eyes
and skin. As of 2020, the FDA has not approved Far UV-C light sources for use in occupied areas in medical
facilities. This is something to be voted on in the near future for medical applications. At this time, the FDA has
not ruled on the safety. Independent studies have been done. Please see the
following
whitepaper for more
information on eye and skin safety over 254nm UV-C.
•
UV LIGHT CAUTION:
UV light may degrade plastic and rubber components after longterm exposure.
•
Currently, there are no work place related rules and regulations that are set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Association) in regard to UVC environmental health and safety.
•
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BULB OR DISINFECTING TARGET ZONE
References:
1 Buonanno, Manuela; Ponnaiya, Brian; Welch, David; Stanislauskas, Milda; Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard;
Smilenov, Lubomir; Lowy, Franklin D.; Owens, David M.; Brenner, David J..
Germicidal Efficacy and Mammalian Skin Safety of 222nm UV Light. Radiation Research. 2017 April; 187(4):
483-491.
2 Kolozsvári, Lajos; Nógrádi, Antal; Hopp, Béla; Bor, Zsolt.
UV Absorbance of the Human Cornea in the 240- to 400-nm Range. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual
Science July 2002, Vol.43, 2165-2168
