What is UV-C or germicidal UV light?

Germicidal UV or UV-C is part of the ultraviolet spectrum best known for its ability to inactivate pathogens like bacteria and viruses. It utilizes specific wavelengths of the ultraviolet spectrum, typically between 200 to 280 nanometers.

Germicidal UV is typically used to disinfect rooms and surfaces. COVID-19 can live on certain surfaces for up to three days, so it's critical to disinfect at regular intervals.

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recently releassed a report on germicidal UV, and notes that UV-C is the most effective at disinfection.

Although the science behind germicidal UV has been around for a long time, it hasn't been widely used in the U.S. until recently. The CDC and FEMA started to endorse the use in hospitals in the early 2000s. Since then, several medical reviews have noted the effectiveness and usage has jumped in the last 13 years.

The big question right now: Can UV lights inactivate COVID-19?

Because this is a novel (or new) coronavirus, testing is very limited but is currently ongoing. The structure of COVID-19 is different from past viruses. For that reason, there is not enough data to say that UV lights can inactivate COVID-19.

Here is what scientists do know. Pathogens can be ranked based on their tolerance to disinfectants, like germicidal UV. Coronaviruses fall into the category of "enveloped viruses," or a Class 3. Class 3 viruses are the easiest to get rid of. Products that are able to inactivate more resilient viruses like small and large non-enveloped viruses (Class 1 & 2 viruses) should also be effective against enveloped viruses like coronaviruses. Many UV product manufacturers say their products can kill most Class 1 viruses.

Based on this information, germicidal UV is believed to be effective against COVID-19.