Past event

Public Lecture: Far-Ultraviolet lighting to prevent the airborne spread of disease - Free

For over a hundred years, the germicidal properties of UV light and its role in suppressing transmission of airborne diseases have been known, but because of safety concerns, the installation of mercury-based UV lighting with wavelengths around 254nm has not been widely adopted. Recently, it has been proposed that UV light with wavelengths around 220nm has a much better safety profile because proteins in the uppermost (dead) layers of the skin and eyes are highly absorbing and prevent the light from reaching layers where live cell damage may occur and replicate.

The people of St Andrews and the surrounding areas are invited to this public lecture, which will give a brief overview of germicidal ultraviolet light and highlight the various research projects undertaken by and with the University of St Andrews to assess the safety and efficacy of the 222nm wavelength. Drinks and canapes will be available after the lecture, allowing you to meet and discuss the lecture with other members of the audience.

This public lecture is in advance of the official start of the 2nd International Congress on Far-UVC Science and Technology.