A Precautionary Path with Kaitlin Sundling, MD, PhD – Safer air needs proven technology
Don’t waste your money on Far-UVC devices-buy a HEPA air purifier or a better respirator instead. Here is my list of questions that I would need suitably answered before considering use of Far-UVC technology in any setting:
– How can a consumer tell that the device is working?
– How can a consumer tell that the device is safe?
– Is the device approved by the EPA or any other government agency pertaining to safety and efficacy?
– What organizations certify the safety and efficacy of the device?
– What professional medical or public health organizations have endorsed the device?
– What is the spectral power distribution (how much light is emitted at various wavelengths) of the device? How can a consumer verify the power of light emitted at 222 nm (Far-UVC) compared to the power of light emitted at other wavelengths?
– How does the safety and efficacy of the device change over time?
– Are ozone or other toxic byproducts generated during use (from the interaction of Far-UVC light and materials in the room) that would impact indoor air quality?
– How can consumers be sure they are not receiving a counterfeit device?
– Provide the peer-reviewed publications detailing the research data regarding the safety of the device regarding eye exposure (corneal damage and cataract development) and skin damage (sunburn and skin cancer risk). Have the results been independently verified in multiple, large-scale clinical trials? What was the length of follow up?
– So far, none of the devices I have come across pass muster.
DO NOT waste your money on garbage or some plague grifter product if you don’t want to potentially damage your eyes and lungs. These sellers find target markets and make unsubstantiated claims about products with unknown safety profiles.
