germicidal flux

[12.1.3.4]

Radiant power evaluated according to its capacity to produce germicidal effects; i.e., in accordance with the germicidal effectiveness of the flux. Unit: W.

(See also germicidal action spectrum.)

Note: Because of the ubiquitous low-pressure mercury germicidal lamp whose principal radiation in the germicidal band is at 253.7 nm, 253.7-nm flux often is described as germicidal flux. This should not be confused with the term as defined here, because it has not been weighted in accordance with the germicidal action spectrum.