Scientists discover safe UV light to kill flu virus in public spaces

Researchers have discovered a special type of untraviolet (UV) light that can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues, according to a new study. Broad-spectrum ultraviolet C (UVC) light, which has a wavelength of between 200 to 400 nanometers, has been routinely used to kill bacteria and viruses by destroying the molecular bonds that hold their DNA together. By contrast, the study found that continuous low doses of far-UVC light, which is around 207 to 222 nanometers in wavelength, is capable to inactivate more than 95 percent of aerosolized H1N1 flu virus in a lab setting. Moreover, earlier studies have proved that far-UVC light is not harmful to the human body.