What is Upper-Room Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)? What is HVAC UVGI? Can either be used to disinfect the air and help protect myself from COVID?
A professionally designed system of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) that is well installed and maintained can effectively kill the virus that causes COVID-19 and help protect people from the disease indoors. Typically, UVGI systems are installed near a room ceiling (upper-room UVGI) or inside the HVAC system of a building.
Consult experienced professionals if you are considering having a UVGI system installed in your building.
Some UVGI systems use an emerging technology called Far UV (or Far UVC) radiation. As typical of newer technologies, the evidence for safety is less documented than for more established ones.
The use of UV technology that is not specifically designed for indoor air disinfection is not recommended. In some cases, it might result in hazardous exposure of eyes and skin to ultraviolet radiation.
By itself, using an UVGI system is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UVGI can be part of a plan to protect people indoors.
Return to Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).