Expanding the Far-UVC Action Spectrum: New Insights on Skin Response and Safety
This study explores the safety thresholds of far-UVC radiation (200-235 nm) on skin, extending the erythema action spectrum using hairless albino mice. The research focuses on determining the minimal dose required to trigger visible skin effects like erythema, compared to current guidelines.
Results indicated that far-UVC at 222 nm needs a dose of 1,162 mJ/cm² to elicit acute skin reactions, far exceeding existing exposure limits set at 480 mJ/cm². This suggests that the current guidelines may be overly conservative.
The study's detailed analysis showed a sharp increase in skin sensitivity for wavelengths below 240 nm, implying that far-UVC is less efficient at causing immediate skin damage compared to longer UVC wavelengths. This finding is significant as far-UVC is considered safer for occupied environments.
These results highlight the importance of revisiting and possibly raising the threshold limits for far-UVC exposure to enable its broader application in disinfection and microbial control, without compromising safety.
