Safe far-UVC light to reduce airborne infections
Testing health hazards from implementation of far-UVC irradiation as an intervention technology to reduce airborne disease transmission
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11127369
This project uses low-dose far-UVC light (about 222 nm) to kill airborne viruses in occupied indoor spaces and help protect workers and the public.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127369 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying special far-UVC lamps that emit about 222 nm light to see if they can inactivate airborne viruses while being safe for people. They will combine laboratory tests of aerosolized viruses, prior animal and cell studies, and real-world room installations in workplace-like settings to measure how well the lamps reduce pathogens. The team will also measure skin and eye exposures and monitor lamp emissions to confirm safety for people in occupied spaces. Findings will inform whether these lamps can be used broadly to lower the spread of respiratory infections at work and other indoor places.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who work or spend time in indoor, shared-air environments—such as healthcare staff, teachers, or office workers—where reducing airborne infection risk is important.
Not a fit: People seeking treatment for an active non-airborne illness or whose exposure risk is primarily from direct contact or contaminated surfaces may not get direct benefit from this air-disinfection approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a continuous, hands-off way to lower airborne spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in occupied indoor spaces.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal work, including demonstrations of >95% inactivation of aerosolized influenza at low doses, shows strong antimicrobial effects and initial safety, but large human trials and long-term safety data in occupied spaces remain limited.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WELCH, DAVID — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: WELCH, DAVID
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.