Experts unite to draw up UV-C lighting standards

TOP lighting scientists are uniting in an urgent effort to develop standards for the performance of UV-C luminaires following a boom in interest in the technology.

The Illuminating Engineering Society and the International Ultraviolet Association have partnered to assemble experts in the measurement of ultraviolet C-band emissions (UV-C) to develop standards for the measurement and characterisation of UV-C luminaire performance. 

Despite the proliferation of UV-C products during the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an absence of standards to enable accurate measurement and comparisons of different lights. 

Through the agreement IES and IUVA aim to cooperatively promote awareness of and improve the application of ultraviolet disinfection technology in the healthcare system, initially through the development of standardised methods of measurement of ultraviolet disinfection luminaires including UV lamps, luminaires and other lighting systems, using both discharge lamps such as low-pressure mercury and xenon and LED technologies.

Annually 99,000 people are estimated to die from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the United States alone, more than 11 people per hour. 

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