Please Help Us Study the Indoor Air Chemistry of Far-UVC Air Disinfection

Why are we doing these experiments?  

Modeling studies have found that air chemistry induced by uncommonly intensive far-UVC can result in moderate increases in some pollutants in spaces that are poorly ventilated and small increases in spaces that are well ventilated. The projected small increases under ventilated conditions are well below public health standards. Our goal is to investigate if there are any measurable pollutant increases with realistic UV intensities in a ventilated and occupied office. 

How can you help?

We seek individual volunteers to work for 3 hours and groups to meet, work or have lunch for 1-3 hours in a shared office space that we set up in FLEXLAB (Building 90x on the interactive LBNL map). The space is ventilated with outdoor air at a rate that meets or exceeds building industry standards. It has ergonomic workstations, a large table space, and windows with a partial view of the Bay! Office work sessions run from 9:15-12:15 and 1:30-4:30 during weekdays and group sessions can be arranged for any time between 9 am and 5 pm.          

Is there any risk? 

The intensity of far-UVC light in the office is well below the safety limits set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) for skin and eye exposure. The levels of ozone and any air pollutants formed from chemical reactions are expected to be within normal ranges for offices at LBNL and well below exposure guidelines for the general population.

How do I sign up? 

Please complete this form to indicate your interest, and we will reach out to you to schedule a time. You will be asked to sign an informed consent form before your session. 

Can I get more information about the experiments? 

If you have questions that are not addressed in the FAQs below, please reach out to us at [email protected]. 

Where can I learn more about far-UVC air disinfection? 

Blatchley, Ernest R., et al. “Far UV-C Radiation: An Emerging Tool for Pandemic Control.” Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, vol. 53, no. 6, Mar. 2023, pp. 733–53, https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2022.2084315.

Blueprint Biosecurity. “Blueprint for Far-UVC”. Version 1 (2025). DOI: 10.64046/5j7b3nac; https://blueprintbiosecurity.org/u/2025/06/Blueprint-for-Far-UVC-V1.0-9.22.25.pdf

FAQS:

What is in the space? 

The space has south-facing windows with adjustable blinds and a partial view of the Bay. It is ventilated with outdoor air consistent with building industry standards. It has WIFI access via the Lab’s network. There is a central meeting table and six ergonomic workstations with sit-stand desks, adjustable chairs, 24” or larger displays, keyboards and adapters for peripherals. 

What do I need to bring? 

Please bring whatever you wish to do during your time in FLEXLAB. Since it is a workday, we expect that most people will bring a laptop and use the time for focused work. Please also bring your laptop power cord if needed and any custom peripherals (mouse, special keyboard, etc.) that you wish to use. 

How far in advance of my session do I need to arrive? 

It is important that you arrive at least 15 min before the start of your session, i.e., by 9:00 am for a 9:15 am session or by 1:15 pm for a 1:30 pm session. This is to allow time for you to get oriented to the space, sign the consent form and ask any final questions. 

Will I be asked to provide any personal information?

Prior to the experiment, you will be asked to sign a consent form. You will then be asked to provide basic demographics (age range and gender) and information about your clothing and use of personal care products on that day, including any fragrances. The questions are listed here.   

What happens during a session? 

For independent work sessions you can use the time in any manner that is not disruptive to other participants. Pre-arranged groups may interact, work quietly or use the time in any other manner  appropriate to the setting. 

Can I leave to use the restroom? 

Yes. There are bathrooms on the first floor of Building 90, adjacent to the FLEXLAB facility. You are welcome to leave during an experiment to use the restroom; but we ask that you directly to maximize the amount of time that you are in the office space during your session. 

Can I sign up for the same session with preferred colleagues?

Yes, up to 8 people can sign up for a group session, from 1 to 3 hours. When you wish to arrange this, please indicate it on the sign-up form or email it to [email protected]. Group sessions can be arranged for any interval between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm including lunch, on designated days. As a principle of research involving human subjects, it is critical that nobody is pressured to participate. When planning to meet or work together, please arrange an option for group members to collaborate remotely so they can freely decide if they want to participate in the experiment.   

Do I have to get permission from my supervisor? 

If your job requires you to be in a specific location, you should check with your supervisor about options for you to participate.   

Can I participate in virtual meetings or phone calls during a session? 

For independent office work sessions, we ask participants to follow common practices for a shared workspace, including using headphones or earbuds when listening to audio content, and avoiding extended or loud conversations that could distract other participants. 

Do I get any benefit from participating? 

We hope you get satisfaction from contributing to science that could advance a promising air cleaning technology. We are unable to offer monetary compensation to employees or affiliates. Participants who are not affiliated with LBNL and who are not federal employees are eligible to receive compensation in the form of Visa gift cards valued at $15 per hour of session time, or $50 for a 3-hour session.

Can someone participate who is not an employee or affiliate? 

At the present time, we are focusing recruitment to LBNL employees and affiliates. Guest passes can be arranged for U.S. citizens to participate on a limited basis. The limit to U.S. citizens is for the practical timeliness of obtaining approvals for the passes. If you are, or know of someone without LBNL affiliation who wishes to participate, please email to [email protected]. Those requiring a guest pass must sign up at least one week in advance. 

Will others know that I participated? 

Our study team will not share the identities of participants, unless required to do so by LBNL management for a compelling operational reason. Examples might include an employee who participated without supervisor approval when they were required to be at another location, an emergency that requires accounting for all building occupants, or an accident that results in harm to one or more participants. You are, of course, welcome to share with others that you participated, if you wish.