Decontamination & FAR-UVC technology
For several years now, Far-UVC technology has been attracting growing interest as a complementary means of continuously reducing microbial bioburden in occupied environments. Discover its characteristics.
The manufacture of sterile products demands a rigorous and multidimensional Contamination Control Strategy (CCS): facility design, qualification of ventilation systems, viable and non-viable monitoring, and documented disinfection programmes.
These principles are at the heart of Annex 1 of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines, which sets out the regulatory expectations for preventing microbial contamination and ensuring the safety of sterile medicines.
For several years now, Far-UVC technology has been attracting growing interest as a complementary means of continuously reducing microbial bioburden in occupied environments. Experimental studies show that this wavelength range effectively inactivates viruses and bacteria both in suspension and on surfaces, whilst presenting — according to published data — a reduced risk of penetration into human tissue compared to conventional UVC.
These characteristics make Far-UVC technology an attractive option for strengthening contamination control barriers in pharmaceutical environments.
What is FAR-UVC technology?
The atmosphere absorbs all light below approximately 300 nm. As a result, UVC only exists through artificial sources, namely lamps, LEDs and lasers.
FAR-UVC safety
The outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) is dense in proteins.
Proteins at 254 nm: Low absorption
→ penetration through the skin
Proteins at 222 nm: High absorption
→ negligible penetration through the skin
Transmission of 222 nm through the cornea
→ negligible penetration (1,2)
The advantages of FAR-UVC technology
Safe for people
- Far-UVC can be used in occupied rooms due to its low penetration into the eyes and skin
Effective & continuous decontamination& continue
- Improves health, safety and productivity
- Reduces the spread of infectious diseases
- Strengthens hygiene standards
- Continuously reduces bioburden
Sector leadership
- Global presence with several reference sites worldwide
- Installed in leading hospitals across Europe, the Middle East and in major pharmaceutical multinationals
- Proven performance in high-traffic public environments
Efficacy & standards
Scientifically proven bioburden reduction
FAR UV-C at 222 nm inactivates a broad spectrum of microbial pathogens.
Being safe for humans, its continuous use in occupied spaces significantly reduces the presence of fungal hyphae and spores in hospitals, thereby reducing the risk of serious fungal infections.
Elimination of bacteria in hospital environments
FAR-UVC technology helps achieve compliance with GMP Annex 1
Annex 1 of the European Union Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines requires manufacturers of sterile medicinal products to implement a Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) with measures to minimise the risk of microbial, endotoxin/pyrogen and particulate contamination.
FAR-UVC technology can significantly reduce the risk of contamination, thereby helping to achieve compliance with Annex 1 and reduce deviations.
FAR-UVC technology is compliant with:
International standards:
- ISO 15858 – UV-C devices – Safety information – Allowable human exposure
- IEC 62471 – Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems
- IEC PAS 63313 ED1 – Position statement on germicidal UV-C irradiation – UV-C safety guidelines (see GLA)
International guidelines:
- ACGIH® – TLV 2022 (Threshold Limit Values) & BEI (Biological Exposure Indices) for chemical substances and physical agents
Integrating FAR-UVC technology into your Contamination Control Strategy (CCS)
Stand UV-222
Decontaminate your gowned personnel in the airlock leading to the heart of the cleanroom in just 20 seconds.
Step-On UV-222
Decontaminate the soles of your cleanroom shoes in a matter of seconds.
Airlock UV-222
Completely decontaminate your equipment during transfers, from the warehouse to storage.
Lampes UV222
Continuously decontaminate — even during production — in your occupied cleanrooms and personnel airlocks.
