Effectiveness, safety, and challenges of UVC irradiation in indoor environments: A decade of review and prospects

IF 7.1 1区工程技术 Q1 CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

Building and Environment Pub Date : 2025-03-15 DOI:10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.112868

Chaofan Lin , Junzhou He , Zhijian Liu, Qianshun Liang

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Abstract

Ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation has gained popularity as an effective method for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases, the disinfection performance and safety of UVC irradiation technology has been extensively discussed. This study presented comprehensive review of the literature on UVC irradiation technology published in the last decade and identified the following points: (1) The bactericidal inactivation mechanisms of UVC irradiation is highly superior to those of UVA and UVB; (2) The photoreactivation mechanisms of microorganisms counter the bactericidal inactivation properties of UVC but relatively slightly impact those of 222 nm UVC irradiation, which is easily absorbed by proteins; (3) UVC irradiation is more likely to inactivate airborne microorganisms than surface disinfection, probably due to the combined effects of the aerosolization process and airflow organization; (4) The 222 nm UVC irradiation is safer for skin and eye health than 254 nm UVC. However, the direct exposure of eukaryotic cells beneath the skin layer to 222 nm UVC may induce cell ageing; (5) The accumulation of by-products of UVC irradiation can considerably affect human health; therefore, UVC irradiation should be used in conjunction with ventilation systems; (6) The combined use of UVC irradiation with other technologies, such as micro electrostatics, can enhance disinfection performance.

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来源期刊

Building and Environment 工程技术-工程：环境

CiteScore

12.50

自引率

23.00%

发文量

1130

审稿时长

27 days

期刊介绍： Building and Environment, an international journal, is dedicated to publishing original research papers, comprehensive review articles, editorials, and short communications in the fields of building science, urban physics, and human interaction with the indoor and outdoor built environment. The journal emphasizes innovative technologies and knowledge verified through measurement and analysis. It covers environmental performance across various spatial scales, from cities and communities to buildings and systems, fostering collaborative, multi-disciplinary research with broader significance.