Comment by elil17

Yes, you can point this specific UV wavelength at your skin and be fine. People have done extensive animal trials and it is not carcinogenic. Many people have been exposed to a lot of far UVC and nothing bad has happened to them.

Looking right at it might not be good for your eyes.

I feel confident for myself that far UVC is safe.

However, the environments I'd want to use this in are those where many people are gathered. I am not sure whether it is respectful/socially good to use this in those situations (given that far UVC products are not subject to any special regulatory review).

Edit for some additional thoughts:

How does this compare to a air filter?

Pros of UV:

- You are helping support R&D for this very important technology

- Even this Aerolamp DevKit is going to be more cost effective at addressing certain pathogens which are highly susceptible to UV, such as COVID. My guesstimate is that the highest capacity/$ off the shelf air purifier you can buy (https://www.cleanairkits.com/products/brisk-box-ultra-black) has about a third to half of the COVID-removing capacity/$ vs. the Aerolamp DevKit. Ditto for energy efficiency.

- Less maintenance vs. an air filter

- Quietest option

Cons of UV:

- Less energy and cost effective at addressing other microbes, particularly mold

- No ability to address dust, another very important air quality issue

- May make others feel uncomfortable