UV or ultraviolet light is a module of the electromagnetic spectrum having wavelengths between 10 nm to 400 nm. There are three ultraviolet light wavelength types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
If you want to learn the difference between UVA, UVB, and UVC, read our detailed article.
UVC has the shortest wavelengths in UV light. These wavelengths are between 200 to 300 meters.
When we use UVC light at a particular wavelength, it works as an effective disinfectant and kills microorganisms.
In this article, we will learn about 222 nm UVC lights, their benefits, effectiveness, safety, and other aspects. Let us begin.
What is 222 nm UVC?
222 nm UVC is ultraviolet radiation that has a wavelength of 222nm. In several industries, people use 222 nm UVC lamps to inactivate airborne viral transmissions.
This specific ultraviolet wavelength is capable of neutralizing a wide range of microbes. The wavelength works by disabling the DNA of pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. As a result, it stops microorganisms from multiplying and spreading disease.
According to research, Far-UVC light (by contrast) between 207 to 222 nm can kill microorganisms harmful to humans.
Let us learn the difference between UV-C and Far-UVC.
The UV-C spectrum embraces wavelengths from 200 to 280 nm. It is also known as germicidal UV, discovered about a century ago. The technology has been widely used in hospitals, labs, hotels, and other industries to prevent the spread of bacteria.
On the other hand, Far-UVC utilizes the lower range wavelengths. Usually, it is between 207 to 222nm. Most far-UVC lamps contain 222 nm light.
People use them for disinfection as they are safe for humans.
How Does 222 nm UVC Work?
As mentioned above, 222 nm UVC uses a lower level of ultraviolet radiation (Wavelength 222). This wavelength carries adequate energy to inactive the virus and bacteria harmful to humans.
Like high wavelength UVC light, 222 nm UVC light does not kill nucleic acid. They do not cause significant harm to the DNA of microorganisms. However, they disturb their DNA. As a result, a 222 nm UVC lamp neutralizes their growth and spread.
Uses of 222nm UVC Light
UVC light has been used in the form of UVC lamps. People use 222nm UVC lamps to neutralize pathogens on the surface and air.
A 222nm UVC lamp is an ideal device that disinfects workstations, laboratories, hotel kitchens, and devices like phones, keyboards, etc.
Two primary uses of 222nm UVC lamp include:
Air Treatment
You can use a 222nm UVC lamp to minimize viruses, pathogens, and bacteria spread in the air. When used with an HVAC air treatment system, it becomes highly effective in controlling airborne bacteria.
Surface Treatment
You can utilize a 222nm UVC lamp to treat a wide range of surfaces. Modern UVC lamps come with functions to detect infected surfaces automatically. They can treat surfaces without user assistance.
UVC 200 nm lamps meet the standards of different industries. They are efficient and practically safe. As a result, they are easy to use at:
- Healthcare facilities
- Childcare facilities
- Elderly care facilities
- Public facilities like museums, courts, city halls, buses, etc.
- Hotels, casinos, resorts
- Restaurants and retail
- Gyms
- Schools and colleges
- Government facilities
- Defense sector
- Space sector
- Industrial facilities
Effectiveness of 222 nm UVC
With the pandemic of COVID-19, the demand for UVC-based disinfectors has increased considerably. They are proven to demobilize most strains of bacteria. They can control drug-resistant viruses.
222 nm-ultraviolet radiation is considered the ideal wavelength to stop the spread of viruses without causing any threat.
UVC lamp with 222 nm radiation is a verified technology to eliminate viruses and pathogens from air and surfaces.
The American and Canadian Journal of Infection Control has confirmed that UVGI minimizes the chances of infections in acute care facilities.
Far-UVC 222 nm lamp can eradicate single-cell organisms with low energy and no photoreactivation. Therefore, people use 200 nm UVC in restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
Let us learn the long-term effects of this radiation based on different studies and research.
In a research study, investigators measured the effect of UVC 222nm on SARS-CoV-2 concentration after UV irradiation. They used UVC 222 nm radiation for 10-300 seconds.
The investigation resulted in 88.5 and 99.7% reduction in SARS-CoV-2. This study showed the efficiency of 222 nm UVC irradiation against SARS-CoV-2.
Long-term Effect of 222 nm UV Radiation on Mice (Study)
In another study, researchers investigated the long-term effect of 222-nm UVC on mice’s skin. They used a krypton-chloride excimer lamp with a maximum wavelength of 222 nm.
Researchers did this study on hairless albino mice. It helped them measure the effectiveness accurately. They conducted this experiment as per the guidelines of Animal Experimentation at Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine.
Nine mice of about 12 to 13 weeks were placed 30cm below the 222-nm UVC 3 times a week for ten weeks.
In the result, researchers did not notice CPD formation in the skin of albino hairless mice by single irradiation with 4.5 kJ m−2 of 222-nm UVC.
Apart from this, there was no inflammatory response by 222 nm UVC irradiation. However, well-built CPDS- positive cells were visible after 254-nm UVC.
We can say even regular use of 222-nm UVC irradiation does not cause skin tumors.
Germicidal lamps that produce 254 nm UV radiation are used for surface sterilization. They are not safe for human skin.
On the contrary, UVC 222 nm has sterilizing capabilities equivalent to those of 254-nm without producing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). CPDs are primary DNA lesions brought on by ultraviolet rays.
Benefits of Using 222 nm UVC Lamp for Disinfection
UVC 222 nm disinfector has a myriad of benefits over conventional sterilizers.
We have put together some of them below.
Extremely Effective
The 222nm UVC lamp is a highly effective disinfectant. Even if you clean a surface with bleach and hot water, you miss a lot of germs.
UVC lamps can kill or minimize the myriad of harmful organisms. They can even wipe out spores and molds and prevent their growth.
Non-Toxic
One of the primary benefits of 222 nm UVC lamps is that they are non-toxic. They use a dry method for disinfection. As a result, you do not need to use any harsh chemicals.
Unlike conventional disinfectors used in sanitization and cleaning, UVC lamps are environmentally-friendly. After all, they disinfect the surface using UV radiation.
Additionally, when used under a limit, UVC lights are safe on food. This makes 222 nm UVC disinfectors essential equipment for the cleaning process in various industries.
Safe
Different researches and studies confirm that 222nm UVC light is safe for the human body. Like with chemicals and other conventional cleaning products, you do not need to take a lot of precautions.
Destroy Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens
With time bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and other disinfectors. Indeed, pathogens develop immunity against disinfectants. With UVC light disinfectors, you can kill pathogens without letting them make immunity.
One primary reason for the same is that it is a physical method of destroying pathogens. Therefore, 222nm UVC lamps are ideal for hospitals, assisted living, and other medical facilities.
Easy to Carry
Most UVC lamps are portable. You can take them wherever you need them. Furthermore, you do not require a big setup for them. If you want to disinfect a particular surface, keep your lamp there for a particular time.
Easy on Pocket
You might have to spend hundreds of dollars on disinfecting surfaces. After all, you will buy chemical disinfectors and other equipment regularly to clean surfaces.
UVC lamps are a one-time investment. With UVC light disinfection, you can save your time and money for years.
Also, you do not need a workforce to operate them after installation.
Is 222 nm UVC Light Safe to Use?
This is a common question asked over the internet. Several people think that if UVC light can kill bacteria, how much will they harm their skin? People associate it with risks of excessive UV exposure.
You must understand that UVC lights are safer than harsh chemicals.
A Far UVC- 222 nm lamp does not generate high radiation. It does not enter beyond the outermost layer of human and animal skin.
However, UVC lamps that operate at 254nm or 270 nm can penetrate living cells and might be harmful to the skin. Still, they are safer than UV radiation by sunlight.
According to a study, 222-nm far-UVC light kills bacteria without harming the exposed human body. It means you can use these lamps for sterilization without causing any harm to your health.
Nevertheless, you must invest in a high-quality 222 nm UVC light. It should meet international standards for safety and quality. If you are struggling to find a UVC lamp manufacturer, you can read out post. It mentions 8 of the leading UVC lamp manufacturers/ suppliers worldwide.
Considering everything together, we can say that a 222 nm UVC lamp is an ideal investment. Regardless of what industry you belong to, it will save you time and money in keeping the surroundings clean and germ-free.
