Ultraviolet-C light for prevention of airborne infection: A baseline analysis of web-based public information

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) technology to mitigate airborne infections was first demonstrated in laboratory and epidemiologic studies of influenza and measles in the 1930s, with effectiveness against tuberculosis demonstrated in the 1950s and again in the early 2000s. Yet, UVC was underutilized during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19). Availability, clarity, and actionability of information and messaging on UVC technology may have played a role in limiting policy discussions and uptake of UVC during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this analysis was to systematically assess the availability, clarity, and actionability of web-based information about UVC for preventing airborne respiratory infections. Student research assistants conducted internet searches using the Google Search engine after receiving a brief orientation to germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) air disinfection. They referred webpages from public health and regulatory organizations whose missions were to regulate UVC or provide recommendations for UVC to prevent transmission of airborne infectious pathogens to the principal investigator (PI). The PI determined whether the webpages met the inclusion criteria. The PI and a doctoral student with experience and training scored the final sample using the CDC's Clear Communication Index (CCI) which assessed public health information on clarity and actionability across four domains. Searches using the Google Search engine for information targeted to the general public yielded mostly commercial websites of UVC vendors, peer-reviewed papers, press releases on UVC research, and public health and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We found that the public health and regulatory agencies have much room for improvement in the clarity, actionability, and integration with each other of their messaging and information. The lack of public policy and concerns about safety of UVC may be inhibiting clear and definitive public health messaging. Easily searchable UVC messaging on credible public health and regulatory websites has the potential to translate the peer-reviewed literature for lay audiences and improve public understanding of UVC for reducing airborne infections. In conclusion, this baseline analysis suggests a policy-communication gap in public-facing information about UVC for airborne infection prevention. More integrated, clear, and actionable guidance from neutral, authoritative organizations may support public understanding, informed discussion, and appropriate use of this potentially life-saving approach to protecting people in indoor spaces.