With increasing concerns about the growth of biofilms in damp settings such as water treatment, plumbing systems and healthcare, including medical devices, the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA), Chevy Chase, Maryland, has established a new Biofilm Control Task Force.

Biofilms refer to a combination of microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances released by those microorganisms that adhere to surfaces. The task force will provide a forum for reviewing and summarizing existing UV/biofilm research and development activities, evaluating the experimental methodologies that have been used in past studies, and identifying promising areas of future inquiry.

For more information, visit www.iuva.org/uv-for-biofilm-control.