Inactivating effect of 222-nm far ultraviolet-C radiation on nontuberculous mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous and can be inhaled from household water sources, posing a potential risk of pulmonary NTM disease. Exposure to 222-nm far ultraviolet-C shows comparable inactivation efficiency to 254-nm ultraviolet-C, while employing specialized optical filters to significantly enhance safety for human skin and eyes. Exposure of NTM to 222-nm far ultraviolet-C radiation demonstrated an irradiance-dependent inactivating effect, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective for water disinfection.