The germicidal properties of certain wavelengths of light were first reported in the late 19th century. Ultraviolet C (UVC), is particularly effective at damaging the DNA and RNA of microorganisms of all types, preventing them from replicating. Technologies based on UVC have been used for nearly a century to help control airborne infectious disease outbreaks, but interest in them has spiked as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation will briefly summarize our studies of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation systems for buildings, including recent studies focused on COVID-19 risk mitigation, and identify areas of need for further multidisciplinary research.
