U.S.-based Illuminating Engineering Society has released a report by their photobiology committee explaining germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) disinfection and its potential to safely reduce the transmission of COVID-19, in response to a wave of conflicting statements and opinions on the topic. The report is available for free download on the IES website.

GUV can be utilized safely and successfully in a number of ways: for disinfecting air in occupied hospital spaces such as waiting or operating rooms; as a supplemental measure to disinfect surfaces in unoccupied controlled-access environments to reduce healthcare-associated infections; and to disinfect some personal protective equipment for limited reuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IES report draws on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, Harvard Medical School, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Centre, and from germicidal UV manufacturing and research organizations. The IES has also released a tutorial video explaining GUV technology and its safety considerations.

The report emphasizes the importance of GUV being applied correctly and monitored for output and safety, as well as the importance of proper training on the operation and maintenance of GUV systems. The report also cautions against the use of ultraviolet disinfecting “wands” or other ultraviolet products for residential use, as these products are inadequately proven, unregulated, and may pose a safety hazard.