This report by the IES Photobiology Committee came out in April 2020 in response to COVID-19. The committee set out to provide objective and current information on germicidal ultraviolet irradiation (UVGI) as a means of disinfecting air and surfaces. Germicidal UV (GUV) refers to using ultraviolet radiant energy to inactivate bacteria, mold spores, fungi or viruses. When the process is applied in a given location, it has generally been referred to as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Because of public concern about ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays and gamma rays), the term GUV avoids needless concerns about a link with that type of radiation.
Key words: lighting systems; controls, UV light, disinfection