A Need to Revise Human Exposure Limits for Ultraviolet UV-C Radiation†

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly heightened interest in ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) as an important intervention strategy to disinfect air in medical treatment facilities and public indoor spaces. However, a major drawback of UVGI is the challenge posed by assuring safe installation of potentially hazardous short-wavelength (UV-C) ultraviolet lamps. Questions have arisen regarding what appear to be unusually conservative exposure limit values in the UV-C spectral band between 180 and 280 nm. We review the bases for the current limits and proposes some adjustments that would provide separate limits for the eye and the skin at wavelengths less than 300 nm and to increase both skin and eye limits in the UV-C below 250 nm.