UVC Light: A Safer Alternative for Reducing Surgical Site Infections

Key Findings:

1. Impact of 254-nm UVC:

   • Induces significant DNA damage in microorganisms and human cells, with marked CPD formation in mammalian cells.
   • Chronic exposure causes sunburn, skin desquamation, hyperplasia, and intercellular edema in mice.

2. Effectiveness and Safety of 222-nm UVC:

   • Demonstrates bactericidal properties without inducing mutagenic or cytotoxic DNA damage in mammalian cells, even with chronic exposure.
   • Detected CPDs are limited to the hyperkeratotic stratum corneum (superficial skin layer).

3. Clinical Relevance:

   • 222-nm UVC emerges as a safer alternative to 254-nm UVC for reducing surgical site infections (SSIs).
   • Offers promising applications in healthcare, minimizing risks for patients and hospital staff.

This study reinforces 222-nm UVC as a viable, human-safe tool for continuous infection control in surgical and hospital environments.

View full article here