Frequently Asked
Questions
What is Visium Far-UVC
What is Visium Far-UVC?
Visium is a Far-UVC lighting system designed to continuously inactivate airborne and surface pathogens in occupied indoor spaces. It operates passively in the background, adding a continuous layer alongside existing cleaning and environmental controls.
How is Visium different from UV-C robots or towers systems?
Visium emits Far-UVC light at the 222 nm wavelength, which has been shown to inactivate pathogens without penetrating human skin or eyes when properly designed and installed. This allows Visium to operate safely and continuously (24/7) in occupied spaces.
Traditional UV robots and towers typically emit UV-C light at 254 nm, a wavelength that is well established to be harmful to skin and eyes. As a result, these systems can only be used in unoccupied rooms as an episodic treatment. They require trained staff to deploy, rooms to be vacated during operation, and time for setup and removal — all of which can increase cost and delay room turnover.
Visium is designed as installed infrastructure that works continuously in the background, rather than a manual, intermittent, labor-intensive process.
Can Visium be used while people are in the room?
Yes. Visium uses Far-UVC light at 222 nm and is designed for continuous operation in occupied environments. Visium is the first Far-UVC device to receive UL 8802 certification (Risk Group 0), indicating it meets the most stringent safety classification for continuous human exposure. When installed according to instructions and at the appropriate ceiling height, Visium can operate 24/7 in occupied spaces.
Is Far-UVC safe?
Peer-reviewed research indicates that properly designed Far-UVC systems can inactivate pathogens without penetrating living human skin or eyes. Visium fixtures are designed to operate within recognized exposure guidelines and applicable safety standards.
Does Visium replace manual cleaning?
No. Visium is intended to supplement existing cleaning and disinfection protocols, not replace them. It functions as a continuous, passive layer of pathogen reduction that operates between and during routine cleaning activities, addressing both airborne and surface pathogens as they are introduced into the space.
Peer-reviewed studies have noted Visium and other Far-UVC technologies as an important adjunct to manual cleaning, particularly in healthcare environments where recontamination can occur rapidly and where traditional cleaning addresses surfaces episodically but does not continuously treat the air. By operating continuously, Visium helps fill a critical gap between cleaning cycles.
Does Visium work on air, surfaces, or both?
Visium is designed to reduce pathogens in both the air and on exposed surfaces. Airborne pathogens are addressed continuously as they circulate through the space, while surface reductions occur over time on illuminated areas.
Peer-reviewed research has demonstrated the effectiveness of Far-UVC in both contexts. In Eadie et al., researchers showed that Far-UVC inactivated aerosolized Staphylococcus aureus in a room-sized chamber in under five minutes. In Memic et al., researchers demonstrated that Visium significantly reduced MRSA contamination on surfaces in a simulated operating room environment.
Multiple published studies have reinforced both the efficacy of Far-UVC against bacteria, viruses, and fungi and the safety of its use in human-occupied spaces, supporting Visium’s role as a continuous, dual-action approach to pathogen reduction.
To review peer-reviewed published studies on Visium and Far-UVC, visit https://visium.one/the-science-of-far-uvc/
How quickly does Far-UVC work?
Far-UVC begins inactivating pathogens as soon as it is operating. Because Visium runs continuously, reductions accumulate over time rather than relying on a single disinfection event. To see how Visium can work in a room environment, contact us to request a custom Visium Blueprint which provides a detailed analysis and performance data for your space.
What types of spaces is Visium used in?
Visium is used across a range of environments, including healthcare facilities, schools and universities, athletic and training facilities, commercial spaces, and agricultural or veterinary settings.
What ceiling heights are recommended?
Visium fixtures are designed to accommodate a range of ceiling heights based on the lamp module. Clear Optic lamp modules are typically recommended for ceilings 9’4″ and higher, while Diffused Optics are available for spaces with lower ceilings.
What fixture types are available?
Visium fixtures are available in recessed, surface-mounted, pendant, and sealed configurations to support a wide range of ceiling types and environments. Recessed, surface, and pendant fixtures are designed for occupied indoor spaces, while Visium Apex is a sealed, industrial-grade fixture intended for more demanding environments such as agricultural, veterinary, and other rugged applications.
How do I choose between recessed, surface, or pendant fixtures?
Fixture selection is typically based on ceiling type, ceiling height, and the physical characteristics of the space. Recessed fixtures integrate into finished ceilings, surface fixtures support retrofit scenarios, and pendant fixtures are well suited for open ceilings and high bays.
How is Visium installed?
Visium fixtures are installed by any licensed electrician and require a standard 120–277V electrical connection. Installation is similar to installing a traditional architectural light fixture and integrates with existing electrical infrastructure. Installation requirements may vary by fixture type and environment.
Products & Services
What solution does Lit Thinking offer its customers?
Lit Thinking is proud to be at the forefront of creating safer, healthier, and more productive indoor environments. We achieve this through a trifecta of cutting-edge research, proprietary software, and the innovative application of Far-UVC light technology. Our technology offers best-in-class solutions for air sanitation by optimizing breakthroughs in Far-UVC light to inactivate microbes in occupied spaces. This gives our customers peace of mind and empowers them to maximize their indoor air quality and make health-conscious decisions effortlessly.
How does your products/solutions work?
Our solutions are automated from our central operating system to sanitize the air quickly and effectively. Various sensors on the Visium device and algorithms are used to estimate the sanitization effectiveness and overall indoor air quality.
When will your solutions be in market?
Lit Thinking released its first commercial solution in 2023. The Lit Thinking Visium is fully automated, simple, and safe, providing constant cleaning of indoor air. Visium uses 222nm Far-UVC technology to sanitize buildings constantly. This product is accompanied by the Lit Thinking desktop and mobile app providing full automation control and adjustments, as well as status updates on the cleaning of individual rooms. As technologies continue to evolve, we are at the forefront of pioneering the next generation of Far-UVC solutions. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and product enhancements later this year.
How do you differ from other solutions in the market?
Lit Thinking stands out from other solutions in the market for several key reasons:
Expertise: Our team possesses extensive experience in engineering, data science, and UV manufacturing. Moreover, our investors have deep roots in the real estate and building technology sectors, specifically in the UV domain. This wealth of knowledge ensures that all our components undergo rigorous testing, adhering to the highest standards to guarantee the utmost quality and safety.
Research Leadership: We actively collaborate with researchers in the Far-UV field, co-chairing studies, and taking a leading role in Research and Development efforts. This commitment to ongoing research and innovation distinguishes us as pioneers in advancing the Far-UV industry.
Passion for Impact: What truly sets us apart is our unwavering passion to create products that revolutionize indoor air quality, making it healthier and safer. Our dedication to building world-changing solutions is the driving force behind our success and differentiation in the market.
Far UVC & Safety
What is Far-UVC 222?
Far-UVC is a subset of high energy, short wavelength UVC light (200-230nm) under the umbrella of ultraviolet light (100-400nm). As with all UV (ultraviolet) light, these wavelengths are invisible to the human eye, but can impact us and our surroundings. Far-UVC is not naturally occurring, as all UVC light from the sun is absorbed before reaching Earth. UVC and Far-UVC light can be generated through specialized bulbs and LEDs to kill or inactivate microbes.
How does UVC light work?
UVC light is strongly absorbed by DNA, RNA, and proteins of cells and microbes. When absorbed, DNA and RNA develop breaks in their strands that cannot be repaired after a certain amount of damage is accumulated. Proteins are similarly inactivated by UVC light, limiting the microbe’s ability to repair the damage from the UVC light. The exposed microbes are unable to reproduce, effectively killing them.
Is Far UVC 222 safe?
Yes, Far-UVC is safe for use in occupied spaces. Far-UVC has a very short penetration depth. It’s unable to pass through most material, including glass and plastic, making it easy to contain. Far-UVC penetration depth is so short, it is unable to pass through the dead layer of skin all humans have, or even the protective tear coat of our eyes.
How is UVC 222 different from traditional UVC?
Most commercial use of UVC light uses 254nm light (we call traditional UVC). The difference between traditional UVC and 222nm UVC is that 222nm UVC is a shorter wavelength. 222nm UVC does not penetrate skin and other materials as well as traditional UVC, allowing 222nm light to be used in ways traditional 254nm cannot.
What are the viruses & bacteria that UV light is effective against?
UVC targets the DNA and proteins of microbes, making it a broad-spectrum solution for microbe removal. UVC has been demonstrated to inactivate microbes from viruses and bacteria to spores and molds, including antibiotic resistant pathogens. The efficacy of UVC light has been demonstrated and reported against most common contaminants and human pathogens, including E. coli, M. tuberculosis, Salmonella, MRSA, C. difficile, Acinetobacter, influenza, hepatitis A, and SARS CoV-2, to name a few.
What are some ideal applications of Far-UVC technology?
Far-UVC technology has the potential for use in various settings, including healthcare, commercial buildings, sports applications, and government spaces, to reduce the burden of pathogen in the air in vital spaces.
Testing & Research
What research shows UVC 222 is effective?
UVC and Far-UVC light has been extensively studied over the last century. Far-UVC light can inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air, reducing the risk to humans. Click here to read about the history of UVC light and its potential for the future in this review.
Also, check out our research page for more articles.
Are there studies that prove UVC 222 is effective against COVID and its variants?
Yes, multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that Far-UVC light is effective against human coronavirus. Check out our research page for links to existing studies. We will continue to update this page as research becomes available.
Certification & Regulation
Is Visium UL Certified?
Visium is UL Certified. A UL Certified product not only meets rigorous safety standards but comes with the powerful endorsement of the UL mark, a universally trusted symbol that signals to consumers and industry professionals alike that the product has passed stringent, independent testing for safety and reliability. This mark is not just a badge—it’s a declaration of superior compliance and security. On the flip side, a UL Compliant product, while tested to meet the same stringent UL standards, lacks this prestigious mark because it’s certified by another company. It may be safe, but without the UL seal, it doesn’t carry the same weight of assurance that comes with a direct UL certification. The UL mark is not only about compliance; it’s about peace of mind, a promise that the product stands up to the highest scrutiny.
Are you EPA & FDA approved?
Yes, we are an EPA registered company. As our devices are registered and built in an EPA registered facility (EPA Facility Number: 102522-FL) and meet all required guidelines to ensure the safety of our products. Air and surface cleaning to reduce bioburden is federally regulated by EPA under FIFRA. We are an EPA registered company. For more information on our EPA registration, contact our office at 321-299-0100 or email CustomerService@LitThinking.com.
Are there regulations for UV light?
Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a maximum amount of UVC light workers should be exposed to within an 8-hour period. This recommendation is based on the guidelines set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), updated most recently in 2022. Our solutions conform to these recommendations.
Are there indoor air quality standards that mention Far-UVC technology?
Yes, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have included UV-based air cleaning devices in their most recent recommendations. While Far-UVC is a relatively new technology, it is already being actively considered and has the potential to meet or exceed indoor air quality standards once it becomes more widely adopted.
If I have further questions about Lit Thinking or your solutions, who should I contact?
We are excited to speak with you about Lit Thinking and its advancements in Far-UVC technologies. Please visit our contact us page and fill out the form. A member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.