The Covid-19 pandemic now demands people to live healthier lives by maintaining their sanitation. There are many ways to do this, including wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly. However, considering efficiency and effectiveness, the use of Ultraviolet-C (UVC) light products or “germicidal” lamps is also a popular one.
Powerful UVC Kills Germs
Reported by CNET , UVC light has the advantage of a very short wavelength. It is also able to change the DNA and RNA of organic cells, so it is claimed to be able to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria - including the viruses that cause SARS and MERS.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States also says UVC is capable of being a disinfectant for air, water, and non-porous surfaces.
The use of UVC is actually not new. Previously, this strong beam had been used in hospitals and laboratories. Not only that, UVC was also used in airlines and hotels long before the Covid-19.
Now, with the Covid-19 virus and the movement to maintain sanitation, the use of LED lamps with UVC light is something that is close to the community. CNET reported, Signify - or previously known as Philips Lighting - confirmed that the production of UV light devices has increased eightfold since the pandemic.
The UVC rays now come in various forms. Starting from fans, drones, to luminous sticks like a lightsaber.
Profitable But Dangerous
Unfortunately, despite its advantages, the use of UVC rays is not always an advantage. Basically, UVC cannot be used carelessly. Because UVC is stronger than UVA and UVB, it has carcinogenic properties. It can burn skin and eyes in just seconds of exposure time.
Meanwhile, the risks of using UVC rays actually vary. According to the FDA, this risk depends on the wavelength, duration, and dose that each device provides. UVC rays for personal (home) use are indeed low doses, but please note that UVC as a whole is basically quite dangerous.
In addition to burning skin and eyes, UVC can potentially produce ozone which is harmful to respiration.
However, unfortunately not all manufacturers are kind enough to include complete instructions and warnings for each product. Moreover, now various manufacturers are also producing tools with UVC rays which are not necessarily proven to be safe.
The lure of low prices by claiming to kill 99.9% of germs is more attractive than human consciousness for long-term thinking. That judgment tends to be lacking in the end, and humans are not so careful.
“During the pandemic, we have seen a great increase in interest in UV germ-killing devices, including the more consumer-facing devices now. This can be very dangerous if you do not use it properly, "said Todd Straka, director of the global lighting industry at Underwriters Laboratories - where UVC product testing and certification - quoted CNET.
Of these dangers, one that poses a risk is the use of mercury in UVC light products. This will not be seen and of course you will not immediately feel or realize it.
“This is a danger you can't see. It's not a toy. It's not instant. There must be time for the devices to be in place in order to perform their intended work. The damage was not instantaneous. So it may take a few days before you realize that you have damaged your eyes or caused burns to your skin, "explained Pamela Gwynn, principal engineer for UL Health and Life Sciences - a global certification company - quoted by CNET.
Basically, germs and bacteria won't die evenly even if you have a variety of UVC light devices. There are special procedures that need attention, because germs and bacteria can only die when exposed to direct UVC rays. Before buying, it's a good idea to make sure of this, namely how to do the procedures. Because it's not just for effectiveness, it's also for your own protection.