Ultraviolet (UV) light holds great potential as a weapon against the spread of COVID-19, but it can be tricky to use, according to an article on the Infection Control website.

A Japanese company has developed a UV lamp that it says can disinfect rooms even when there are people present. The lamp emits a UV wavelength of 220 nanometers. 

At this wavelength, UV rays cannot infiltrate the surface of the skin nor the eyes to bring about cancer-causing genetic defects and other damage, according to a Japan Today article.

The company plans to sell the lamp to medical facilities first. 

The lamp would be installed in ceilings. When it emits the UV light, it kills 99.7% of viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces of objects within 8 feet of the lamp. The application takes between 6 and 8 minutes. The device weighs 2.6 pounds and the company plans to sell them for around $2,800 each.

Read the full Infection Control Today article.