A new study has found that ultraviolet (UV) light may help reduce allergic reactions by changing the structure of allergens in the air. This discovery could lead to a new way of treating or preventing allergies that affect millions of people around the world.
Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder reported that UV light with a special wavelength, known as UV222, can break down the proteins that cause allergic reactions. These proteins are found in common allergens such as cat dander, dust mites, and pollen. When the proteins lose their shape, the immune system no longer recognizes them as harmful, so they do not trigger allergic symptoms.
The study, published in ACS ES&T Air, showed that shining UV222 light on airborne allergens reduced their activity. In the experiments, scientists placed allergens in a sealed chamber and exposed them to the light for about 30 minutes. They found that the allergens became 20% to 25% less likely to cause a reaction. In one case, a cat allergen called Fel d 1 was reduced by more than 60%.
What makes UV222 different is that it is safer to use around people. Unlike other forms of UV light used for cleaning and disinfection, UV222 does not deeply penetrate the skin or eyes, so it can be used in occupied rooms. However, the researchers warned that too much exposure could still create small amounts of ozone, which is not safe to breathe.
Lead researcher Tess Eidem explained that this method could one day be used in homes, classrooms, or public spaces through small portable UV devices. These lights could help clean the air and reduce allergy symptoms for people who suffer from asthma or other breathing problems caused by allergens.
Although this technology is still being tested, scientists are hopeful. If proven safe and effective, UV light could become a new tool for fighting allergies and improving air quality indoors. This surprising discovery shows how light, often used for sterilization, might soon help bring relief to allergy sufferers in a whole new way.
