What’s the Difference Between UV-C 254nm and Far-UVC 222nm?

As far as we know, UV light is subdivided into three regions by wavelength from 100 to 380nm: UVA, UVB and UVC. Among them, UV-C spectrum covers wavelength from 200 to 280 nanometers. These wavelengths are known for the strongest germicidal effect, which they are able to kill 99.9% of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mold spores.

Nowadays, more and more UV products are added to disinfect air and surfaces and protect human’s health, especially when the coronavirus has dug its claws in for the long haul around the world. If you look into these products, you would find some use UV-C 254nm light and some use Far UV-C 222nm light. What’s the difference between two options?

Here's a comparison chart:

1. Safety for human body

The biggest difference is that UV-C products like 254nm is harmful to skin and eyes so they can only be used in unoccupied rooms or areas. However, there are some certain product in the market like upper-room germicidal UV products, that can safely eliminate pathogens in occupied areas. Well, caution is still required for the maintenance of those products. As for far UV-C 222nm products, it is proved that they don’t penetrate the skin or the outer layers of the eye, so it does not cause any tissue damage.

2. Proven Track record

People try their best to use different ways to protect themselves from germs, UV lighting is one of them. Study after study over the last century has proven that UV-C light can disinfect air and surfaces. It has been used for decades (yes, decades!) to reduce the spread of bacteria, such as that which causes tuberculosis. While far-UVC technology is new, many scientists and researchers are still working on it. Currently far-UVC has limited testing on humans.

3. Product availability

UV-C has a variety of applications, and they all work slightly differently in air and surface disinfection, such as UV-C Disinfection Device target the surfaces of a room or area. Since far-UVC technology is so new that there is limited product offering on the market. In Atop Lighting, no matter 254nm or 222nm, you can find reliable disinfection device which work for your business.

4. Disinfection Effect

UV-C products can inactivate pathogens in minutes. Even a five-minute cycle helps eliminate viruses and bacteria. Currently, there is a limit to UV energy in space, which requires far-UV products to operate at very low doses over long periods of time. Either way, there are several factors you should always consider when looking for the right UV dose, such as intensity, distance, and time.

If you would like to know more about UV-C disinfection or look for a trusted and reputable manufacturer, welcome to give us a call or email us!~

Evelyn Zhong

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