Far-UVC: The Future of Clean Air?
This article explores the potential of far-ultraviolet (far-UVC) technology to purify indoor air and prevent airborne diseases. Drawing parallels to the historical success of water treatment in reducing waterborne illnesses, it argues that far-UVC could revolutionize air purification. While briefly used in the 1930s, far-UVC was sidelined due to technological limitations and the rise of antibiotics. New far-UVC lamps overcome these drawbacks, effectively killing airborne pathogens without harming humans. However, widespread adoption faces challenges including inconsistent product quality, lack of standardization, and insufficient research data. The article calls for increased research and application of far-UVC to improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of airborne diseases.