Technology

How do you know Far UV-C works? Is it proven?

Use of Far UV-C for disinfection is backed by rigorous, peer-reviewed research. Since the 1940s, traditional UV-C (such as 254 nm wavelength) has been used to effectively sanitize air, surfaces, and water. More than 100 papers on Far UV-C disinfection have been published since the 1940s (Hessling, 2021. See References section above for more.) Studies indicate virus, bacteria, and fungal spores become inactivated by damage to protein layers and RNA/DNA disruption (Buonanno, 2020; Nardell, 2021).

Are Population products effective against SARS-CoV-2?

Yes, Far UV-C has been shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 at dose levels less than 3% of safe human exposure thresholds (2022 TLVs, eye). 222 nm has been tested on airborne human coronaviruses, as well as surfaces, and aqueous solutions (Buonanno, 2020; Wood, 2021). Because genomic size is directly linked to inactivation rate by Far UV-C, the research community is able to use human coronavirus models to test the efficacy of various technologies. The Linden Research Laboratory at the University of Colorado, Boulder confirmed the Population product kills SARS-CoV-2 at better than 99.9% every 30 minutes, at a distance of 8 feet [2.5 m].
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Population provides the highest energy density element of its kind, fused with app features that allow you to track performance, zone coverage and cleaning schedule.

What other pathogens do Population products kill?

Protein and nucleotide disruptions from exposure to 222 nm are shown to inactivate a wide range of bacteria and viruses (Nardell, 2021). Above and beyond our Far UV-C supplier data, Population conducts ongoing research on its products in both controlled laboratory and real-world environments. In addition to demonstrated efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in a biosafety level 3 lab, Far UV-C has been shown to effectively inactivate influenza, norovirus, E. coli, staphylococcus, rhinovirus, salmonella and campylobacter.

How long does it take to kill pathogens? How does this compare to traditional germicidal UV?

Different pathogens require different amounts of Far UV-C, but Population products will kill most, every 2 hours or less (e.g., 99% reduction of E. coli) from 8 feet [2.5 m] away over a coverage area of 10 ft. diameter [3m]. SARS-CoV-2 will be inactivated (99%) every 30 minutes using the same setup. Different configurations can provide even faster results.
Reduction rates for active virus are faster with 222 nm Far UV-C than traditional 254 nm UV - and 222 nm Far UV-C can be used in occupied rooms throughout the day - providing an ongoing, persistent solution with better coverage, sustaining higher levels of disinfection and providing ongoing protection for employees and customers.

Is Far UV-C safe for human exposure?

What is relatively new in the field of Far UV-C is the safety of 222 nm light for prolonged human exposure shown in research studies, compared to traditional 254 nm wavelengths (Wood, 2021). The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and OSHA recommend safe exposure levels over 45x higher (for skin, 25x for eyes) when using 222nm Far UV-C. Studies on narrow-band filtered 222 nm sources further indicate safe, non-cancer inducing exposures on animal models of 500x those with traditional UV-C sources. Customers should demand their products, like Population devices, use appropriate filtration to ensure that only the intended, safe Far UV-C wavelengths are emitted.
Always use caution with UV and Far UV-C generating products and insist on exposures well within the safety Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) set by the ACGIH (guidelines updated and increased January 2022 by the ACGIH).
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As with any focused light source, staring directly into the element or prolonged exposure at closer distance than recommended could cause injury. The Population team can work with you to develop an optimized Protection Plan for your space, and the Population app will provide additional supportive data to reinforce safety for each zone in your Plan.

I’ve heard some Far UV-C products “leak” or emit unsafe wavelengths. Is this true?

Unfortunately, yes! The safety of 222 nm Far UV-C has been assessed by the scientific community and confirmed by occupational safety and regulatory bodies in the U.S., but unfiltered products pose a risk of exposure to longer UV-C wavelengths and are cause for safety concerns. For this reason, Population products use a patented filtration technology (with < 2 nm. spectral half-width) to safeguard against the emission of unwanted harmful wavelengths, and undergo extensive testing to ensure the same.
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Never operate Population products or any UV-C emitter if the filter becomes cracked or damaged. Contact the Population support team for a replacement.

Are Population products medical devices?

No, Population products are not medical devices. They are intended for everyday use in occupied places. We will work with your team to create a custom Protection Plan designed for optimum coverage and disinfection based on your space’s unique needs.

Where can I use my Population products?

Far UV-C can be used in occupied spaces, unlike other UV sanitization solutions. Population products can help protect professional kitchens or grocery stores to elevators and corporate office meeting rooms. Powered by a standard 110/220V AC outlet, or a direct 24V lighting supply, installation is simple and flexible. Contact priority@populationtech.com to discuss your space.

How many Population products do I need for my space?

Population currently offers two products: Focus provides our highest energy density, with a ½ power angle of 32 degrees from center, while Broad delivers a distributed dose of Far UV-C with a 54 degree ½ power angle to cover larger zones.
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For example: on a 10 ft. [3 m] high ceiling, Focus concentrates the Far UV-C field on a projected diameter of 12 ft. (32 degree ½ power angle from center), while Broad will provide a wider coverage of 27 ft. projected diameter (54 degree ½ power angle) with a lower dose rate. Each device will affect the area outside the zone diameter, but with less effect further from the Far UV-C source.
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A single product provides persistent pathogen protection, and larger spaces or high traffic areas can also benefit from overlapping zone coverage. When making your space’s Protection Plan, there are several factors to consider in laying out your room. Traffic patterns (sanitization rate), mounting height or distance to disinfection zone, and coverage area are three of the most critical. The Population team will help you optimize the position for maximum coverage, with disinfection rates for each zone clearly reported in the app.

How energy efficient are Population products?

Population products consume approximately 11 W (14W peak) at max output. At steady state with a Population smart schedule, each element requires ~63 W h per day of operation.

What is the lifetime of your product? How often does the lamp need to be replaced?

The standard working lifetime is >6,000 hours, or 2-3 years operating for 8 hours/day, before performance will start to degrade. It will continue to work at reduced output (>60%) beyond 10,000 hours. In the event your Far UV-C element burns out, our service team will promptly replace it at no charge for subscription customers.

Do Population products emit ozone?

All UV technologies generate some amount of ozone gas, which is a form of oxygen, rare but naturally occurring in our upper atmosphere. Population products leverage proprietary technology that provides an ozone ‘buffer’ space to convect gases upwards, providing more time for it to stabilize into standard, molecular oxygen.
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Ozone generation by Population products is well below safe thresholds set by the ACGIH and OSHA, and proper air-flow and ventilation will further mitigate any potential buildup of generated ozone gas.

What are Population’s product research & testing protocols?

Population is an industry leader in Far UV-C research in laboratory and real-world environments. Above and beyond data provided by our suppliers, all Population products undergo continuous rigorous 3rd party testing (optical, mechanical, electromagnetic, and biological) and are validated in both controlled laboratory environments and through on-site customer pilots. ETL product safety mark pending. The Population research and advisory team comprises experts in physics, optics, engineering, epidemiological & public health, and closely collaborates with suppliers and business leaders to build a growing body of proprietary research on its implementation in indoor settings.

Healthy spaces are business-critical.

Some of the pathogens Population products kill

SARS-CoV-2

Influenza

(H191)

Norovirus

(MS2 surrogate tests)

Escherichia coli

(including serotype O157:H7)

Staphylococcus aureus

(including MRSA)

Rhinovirus

Salmonella enterica

(including serotype Typhi)

Campylobacter jejuni

SAFE FOR SKIN*

SAFE FOR EYES*

Regular Germicidal UV

Far UV-C
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Scientific References

The impact of Far-UVC radiation (200-230 nm) on pathogens, cells, skin, and eyes - a collection and analysis of a hundred years of data

Far-UVC light: A new tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases
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Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses

Effective ventilation and air disinfection system for reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection risk in office buildings …

Far UV-C Radiation: Current State-of-Knowledge, IUVA …

David Brenner: A new weapon in the fight against superbugs …

David Brenner: Can light stop the coronavirus?

Far-UVC Light Safely Kills Airborne Coronaviruses, Columbia University

Specific UV light wavelength could offer low-cost, safe way to curb COVID-19 spread, UC Boulder

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