Extreme Exposure to Filtered Far-UVC: A Case Study

Far-UVC devices are being commercially sold as “safe for humans” for the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, without supporting human safety data. We felt there was a need for rapid proof-of-concept human self-exposure, to inform future controlled research and promote informed discussion. A Fitzpatrick Skin Type II individual exposed their inner forearms to large radiant exposures from a filtered far-UVC source. No visible skin changes were observed at 1,000 mJcm-2, whereas skin pigmentation that appeared around 2 hours and resolved within 24 hours occurred with an 8,000 mJcm-2 exposure. These results combined with Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer computer modelling suggest that filtering longer ultraviolet wavelengths is critical for the human skin safety of far-UVC devices.

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