Germicidal Ultraviolet Light

For years, germicidal ultraviolet light (GUV) has been a powerful tool for the prevention of tuberculosis. It is a cost-effective intervention that is safe and supported by a breadth of evidence that has accumulated over decades. Like tuberculosis, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic is also transmitted through the air from individuals shedding the virus. The goal is to use upper-room GUV for COVID-19 in much the same way as it has been used for TB, installing lights in places with poor ventilation in order to circulate and sanitize the air people breathe. All of this is done with the utmost concern for safety and the intent to make public spaces safe for everyone. In order to better understand how GUV lighting is used for disease prevention, please check out some of the resources below.

GUV Resources

GUV Guide

GUV Safety

History of GUV

GUV in Schools

GUV in the News

Other GUV Studies

GUV for COVID-19

CIE Technical Report

The International Commission on Illumination released this technical report outlining the risks and benefits of using GUV lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions on GUV

The IES Photobiology Comittee has prepared this report in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.