OUDE MEER, THE NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 06, 2022 – Ushio Europe B.V. and UV Medico A/S will co-exhibit filtered 222 nm far UV-C disinfection technology at Light + Building 2022. The leading international trade event for the lighting and building services technology industry takes place at Messe Frankfurt, on 2–6 October. Ushio’s Care222® component will appear alongside the complete solutions offered by UV Medico, which integrates Ushio’s technology into its UV222™ series of disinfection modules. Experts from both companies will be at hall 8.0, stand G31, to serve OEMs and end-users in a joint demonstration of disinfection for occupied spaces.
During 2018’s event, Light + Building welcomed more than 220,000 visitors and over 2,700 exhibitors from across the world. Following the postponement of the 2020 edition, this year’s show follows a theme of “breaking new ground”, as architects, interior architects, designers, planners, and engineers descend on Frankfurt to share insights on current lighting trends, intelligent building technology, and security across all disciplines.
Global effort bringing people together results in pivotal Care222® disinfection technology
During the worldwide effort to combat the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, Ushio teamed up with global scientific institutions, such as Japan’s Kobe University, to accelerate the development of 222 nm as a disinfection tool. Columbia University Irving Medical Center (USA) granted Ushio exclusive use of its patented optical band-pass filter, which was then integrated into Ushio’s proprietary excimer lamps.
fig 1. Columbia University granted Ushio worldwide exclusive use of its optical band-pass filter.
This combination of cutting-edge science and electrical engineering has ushered in a new era of precautionary pathogen control. For the first time, ultraviolet microbial reduction is now a reality in occupied spaces, thanks to Ushio’s unique Care222® far UV-C disinfection technology.
fig 2. The Care222® light excites the molecules within the DNA and RNA of micro-organisms and pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Identifying the pros and overcoming the cons of conventional UV disinfection methods
UV radiation wavelengths between 160 nm and 310 nm have a unique germicidal ability to act as an effective means of disinfection. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is so effective because it disrupts the DNA functions of microorganisms and pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. This has a mutagenic effect on organisms by exciting the molecules at the core of their DNA and RNA. The resulting destruction of the genetic structure renders the pathogenic organisms unable to reproduce or infect and, in some cases, kills them.
Able to neutralise living cells in a matter of seconds, UVGI is an ideal alternative to chemical disinfection. The use of chemicals is detrimental to the environment, and in most cases, can lose effectiveness over time due to the ability of microorganisms to develop a resistance to them. There is no living cell with a total resistance to ultraviolet light, it occurs naturally within the environment, and does not affect the taste or smell of the UVGI treated substance.
Ultraviolet light is undoubtedly one of the most effective disinfection techniques at our disposal, alongside chemical and heat-based methods. Unfortunately, the radiation from conventional 254 nm UV disinfection lamps penetrates deep into our eye and skin tissues, which can cause mutations and serious illness, such as cataracts and skin cancer. This makes 254 nm UV unsuitable for prolonged exposure to humans, which is why Ushio began researching and developing technologies that would eliminate the risks posed to people occupying the UV-treated space.
fig 3. The patented Care222® optical band-pass filter prevents exposure to harmful wavelengths or toxic levels of ozone.
222 nm light succeeds where conventional UV fails in air & surface disinfection applications
Devices with Ushio’s Care222® filtered excimer lamps, such as UV Medico’s UV222™ series, emit far UV-C in the 200–230 nm band with a dominant peak at 222 nm. This UV band is absorbed within the top layer of skin and the cornea of the eye, so it does not cause any mutations in exposed individuals. With the welfare of occupants assured, the gentle Care222® irradiation quietly inactivates air- and surface-borne pathogens to protect from the threat of disease.
fig 4. 222 nm far UV-C is absorbed by proteins in the top layer of dead skin cells, known as the stratum corneum; it is also absorbed by the outer surface of the cornea, thereby reducing the risk of cataracts.
Dr. Jörg Söllner, Technical Development Manager for Ushio Germany, said “Light + Building allows Ushio to share a vision of a safer world, free of infectious diseases; meanwhile, it gives both OEMs and end-users the chance to see not only how Care222® technology can fit into their disinfection plans, but also how it can look when a successful, high-tech, OEM luminaire manufacturer, like UV Medico, works with us on a finished solution.”
The breakthrough of 222 nm UV negates old concerns of conventional ultraviolet light and firmly places it as one of the best disinfection methods for air and surfaces in occupied spaces. Ushio offers two versions of the technology for integration into OEM luminaires. The Care222 B1, which is calibrated for surface disinfection; while the Care222 B2 model is primed for a wider beam angle, which is ideal for air-treatment applications.
fig 5. Inactivation time is calculated based on the intensity at the centre of the exposure area at each irradiation distance. This time is only for inactivation of adherent and floating viruses irradiated by UV light in a sealed space. Effectiveness may vary by local environment and irradiation conditions. These results were carried out in a controlled laboratory environment.
*2 The covering area of 60% of the central intensity.
*3 Central intensity
*4 Reference: Buonanno, et al., Sci. Rep. 10, 10285 (2020)
*5 Reference: Kitagawa, et al. (2020) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2020.08.022
Ushio’s patented Care222® technology removes the hazards posed by traditional UV disinfection lights, by deploying filtered 222nm far UV-C light to gently rid indoor spaces of disease-causing pathogens, even when occupied by people. Care222® lamps are already trusted by respected manufacturers, such as Acuity Brands, Christie, and UV Medico, as the integrated disinfection light source in their own products. Ushio continues bringing people together by reducing pathogenic threats in the areas shared by our families, friends, and colleagues. Join Ushio and UV Medico at Light + Building 2022, at Messe Frankfurt, on 2–6 October, and see Care222® filtered far UV-C disinfection technology for yourself.
About Ushio and UV Medico
About Ushio
Ushio is a world-leading manufacturer of specialist industrial light sources. Covering the light spectrum across ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, Ushio’s solutions can be found applying light to life in a diverse range of products from cinema projectors and spacecraft to life-saving medical devices. For more information, contact the Ushio Sales team at ushio.eu/contact.
About UV Medico
UV Medico is a team of scientists, experts, and pioneers who are passionate about using light to prevent viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens from affecting people, businesses, and companies. The UV222™ from UV Medico is based on the Care222 technology produced by Ushio and operates in full compliance with the EU directive governing exposure to artificial optical radiation.
