Cover photo: INTEGRALIS® Collection by Artemide
Light can improve the hygiene of our spaces. The potential of UV-C radiation came into focus after the 2020 global pandemic; it should be used alongside “traditional” disinfection methods—most importantly, ensuring proper air exchange in enclosed spaces shared by multiple people—and is ideal for integration into lighting systems in public places such as hospitals, supermarkets, changing rooms, hotels, locker areas, and shared bathrooms. But this technology is also available for everyday use, thanks to compact home lamps that integrate UV-C systems.
How UV-C sanitizing lights work
UV-C rays belong to the ultraviolet radiation spectrum and are invisible to the human eye. Their ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi is scientifically validated and considered both eco-friendly, since no chemicals are used, and cost-efficient, thanks to long system durability. UV-C technology is mainly applied in two ways in lighting. The first involves the disinfection of the upper air through ceiling-mounted devices that can operate even when people are present. The second involves direct irradiation of surfaces, which is only safe in unoccupied rooms, as UV-C rays harm both eyes and skin.
Our selection
There are technical devices that emit UV-C rays, such as ceiling-mounted fixtures, recessed luminaires, and spotlights from top-tier brands. However, this technology has also been adopted in the residential market, thanks to the Integralis system used in several Artemide products. A particularly clever idea comes from Slamp, which developed a small UV-C dome for sanitizing everyday objects, perfect for placing at the entrance of your home or on a side table for daily use.
01 — Codega, Serena
Floor, table, wall, and pendant lamps: Codega offers an entire universe of retro-inspired lighting fixtures with a technological core. The integrated light sources simulate sunlight, promoting a sense of overall well-being, while also sanitizing surfaces through UV-C radiation.
02 — Slamp, Purity Capsule
Developed with the Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine at the University of Siena, this capsule performs sanitizing cycles on small, frequently used objects. Place keys, glasses, wallets, and coins under the dome and activate the UV-C coral light, which, according to Slamp, eliminates 99.99% of bacteria in just 30 seconds. A built-in courtesy light can also be switched on separately from the sanitization cycle.
03 — Signify
Among the top producers of UV-C lighting systems, Signify has dedicated an in-depth section of its official website to this topic. Their UV-C solutions have been applied in healthcare, sports facilities, retail, and hospitality, proving their versatility across professional contexts.
04 — Disano
Disano offers a comparable approach, also employing UV-A radiation in specific models. These rays share the disinfecting properties of UV-C, but are less aggressive and require more time to achieve complete sanitation of environments and surfaces.
05 — Olev, Pure BioAir
Olev‘s solution is designed for offices and enclosed indoor spaces, ensuring user safety and comfort. The UV-C component is concealed within the lamp’s body, drawing in air and treating it with radiation. Pure BioAir can filter 30 cubic meters of air in eight hours. Meanwhile, general illumination is provided by a high-CRI LED source located at the bottom of the lamp, projecting light downward for visual comfort.
06 — Artemide, Integralis
Artemide’s Integralis system combines sanitizing effectiveness with excellent lighting performance and is available across several products, including iconic designs like the Tolomeo lamp. The system is available in four versions: Pure Integralis, which focuses on light quality; White-Violet Integralis, which blends white and violet tones; Violet Integralis, a highly effective solution that should not be used in the presence of people; and White Integralis, which is safe for human presence and emits light with a fixed color temperature of 5000K.
