Far-UVC Light for Respiratory Infections

(PRiVII Trial)

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Kenneth Rockwood

Disqualifiers: Non-consent to data collection

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 28 months

500 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Far-UVC Light for respiratory infections?

Research shows that Far-UVC light at 222 nm can effectively inactivate airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria, including those causing respiratory infections such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, without harming human skin or eyes. This makes it a promising tool for reducing the spread of airborne diseases in indoor spaces. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Far-UVC light safe for humans?

Far-UVC light, with wavelengths between 200 and 235 nm, is considered safe for humans because it cannot penetrate the outer layers of skin or eyes, unlike conventional UV light. Studies have shown that it can be used in occupied spaces without harm, as the doses used are significantly below recommended safe exposure limits. ^{1 4 5 6 7}

How does far-UVC light treatment differ from other treatments for respiratory infections?

Far-UVC light treatment is unique because it uses a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light (222 nm) to inactivate airborne pathogens safely without harming human skin or eyes. Unlike conventional UVC light, which can be harmful, far-UVC light can be used in occupied indoor spaces to reduce the spread of respiratory infections like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. ^{1 2 3 4 8}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Elderly people who have multiple health problems are at higher risk of illness from viral respiratory infections, such as influenza (the flu) and COVID-19. This is especially true for residents in long-term care because the usual methods of infection control (handwashing, mask-wearing, and distancing) are difficult to enforce due to the memory problems of many residents and the frequently shared common spaces. It can also be difficult to prevent the spread of viral infections within long-term care because many residents are unable to tell their caregivers when they are feeling ill. Also, some elderly people do not show typical symptoms of infection (like fever), instead they may suddenly become confused or weak. This study will test if a safe form of ultraviolet light (far-UVC) can be effective as an extra method of disinfection (in addition to usual manual cleaning) against airborne and surface viruses that can cause respiratory infections.

Research Team

Kenneth Rockwood, MD

Principal Investigator

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for elderly residents in long-term care facilities who are at higher risk of respiratory viral infections like the flu and COVID-19. Participants must consent to join the study, which aims to test additional disinfection methods.

Inclusion Criteria

LTC residents who consent to participate

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Far-UVC light is used as an additional method of disinfection in common areas of long-term care facilities

28 months

Continuous exposure in common areas

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Far-UVC Light

Trial Overview The study is testing far-UVC light as an extra disinfection method against viruses that cause respiratory infections. It will be compared with a placebo fluorescent light to see if it's more effective in preventing illness.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

Far-UVC light as an additional method of disinfection

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

"Inactive" fluorescent light (no additional disinfection)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kenneth Rockwood

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

500+

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Collaborator

Trials

302

Recruited

95,300+

Department of Health, Nova Scotia

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

650+

Research Nova Scotia

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

600+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Far-UVC Light at 222 nm is Showing Significant Potential to Safely and Efficiently Inactivate Airborne Pathogens in Occupied Indoor Locations. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of Single-Pass Disinfection Performance of Far-UVC Light on Airborne Microorganisms in Duct Flows. [2023]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Temporal and spatial far-ultraviolet disinfection of exhaled bioaerosols in a mechanically ventilated space. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Far-UVC light: A new tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ocular and Facial Far-UVC Doses from Ceiling-Mounted 222 nm Far-UVC Fixtures. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessing the safety of new germicidal far-UVC technologies. [2023]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Filter-Free, Harmless, and Single-Wavelength Far UV-C Germicidal Light for Reducing Airborne Pathogenic Viral Infection. [2023]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of far-UVC radiation (200-230 nm) on pathogens, cells, skin, and eyes - a collection and analysis of a hundred years of data. [2021]