The Illuminating Engineering Society Introduces New Standard

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recently introduced the standard, ANSI/IES RP-44-21 Recommended Practice: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation. This new standard addresses the use of UVGI for disinfection, the potential dangers for humans, potential effects on materials and plants, UVGI technologies, and safety measures and precautions.

"Understandably, there has been renewed interest in the use of germicidal ultraviolet irradiation for disinfection purposes," says David H. Sliney, Ph.D, Photobiology committee chair. "We support more widespread use of UVGI technology as a vital tool in mitigating and preventing the spread of many more current and future viruses, as COVID-19 will not likely be our last pandemic."

"The IES continues to be on the cutting-edge by setting new standards that drive lighting professionals to be even more innovative, and truly fulfill our mission of improving life through quality of light," shares Brian Liebel, IES director of standards.

Included in the Lighting Applications Standards Collection and published in consensus by the IES Photobiology Committee, this document is essential for lighting professionals interested in the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for disinfection, as UVGI can been used to disinfect air, water, and surfaces that are or could be contaminated.