IES LM-93-22

The ultraviolet-C (UV-C) spectrum is typically defined as being from 100 nm to 280 nm. This spectrum can be further divided into other defined UV-C ranges, such as vacuum-UV (100 nm to 200 nm) and far UV-C (200 nm to 230 nm). While “far UV-C” is not officially defined, this is the meaning of the term as used in this document.

The use of far UV-C optical radiation sources in various disinfection applications is a subject of increasing interest. The main reason is that this region of the UV spectrum (200 nm to 230 nm) offers a high rate of pathogen reduction, with much lower photobiological risk than that of longer-wavelength UV devices, and without the problems associated with ozone generation at shorter UV wavelengths.