We are all looking for a new and effective method to suppress the spread of COVID-19. For this reason, the UV Sanitising Wand has attracted widespread attention. Essentially, these lights produce UV-C sterilized blue light instead of traditional white light. Theoretically, although you can power them, these devices can be disinfected remotely. Unfortunately, the actual app is not that simple. You should think twice before reducing your hard-earned money on one of these devices instead of traditional cleaning products.
The power of UV lights
Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation. A particular subtype, called UV-C (wavelength 280-100 nm), can destroy viruses and bacteria (as well as human tissue), destroying their DNA / RNA, making replication impossible. To cope with the pressure caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, hospitals use large ultraviolet lamps (sometimes connected to robots) to disinfect rooms.
Yes! An ultraviolet bar works on the same scientific principle as a device to disinfect a phone (for example, a PhoneSoap phone). They work by emitting a certain type of ultraviolet (UV-C) light that can kill microorganisms. Ultraviolet C can kill SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and is used in industry and healthcare. But beware: Companies promoting UV disinfection technology have violated the FTC due to false claims, and that was before the pandemic.
Can UV Sanitising Wands really kill germs?
The ultraviolet C (UVC) emitted by portable light disinfection has the ability to be sterilized, but it is unclear whether one of them can prevent human infection. The idea is to put a wand in objects like a remote control, phone, door knob, toothbrush, or toilet seat, and then put it away and the bacteria will disappear.
A 2014 study in the American Journal of Infection Control showed that a UV Sanitising Wand can kill 100% of bacteria commonly found on the surface in just 5 seconds and inactivate 90% of especially hard bacteria in 40 seconds. Spore-forming bacteria. According to the researchers, UVC equipment is a reasonable alternative to using chemicals to disinfect surfaces.
The Problem with UV Disinfectants
One of the main problems with UV sticks is that UV rays take time to complete their work. With phone cleaners you put your smartphone in a box that looks like a tanning bed for a few minutes. However, on the other hand, if you want to use the wand to sterilize the table or clothes, you need to make sure that the exposure is supported manually by shaking the UV Sanitising Wand. This will not only leave room for mistakes, but also painful.
If this is good enough for the hospital, then maybe it is enough for your home, right? Incomplete. There are many problems with using UV sticks to clean your home or for hotel room disinfection. First of all, if you don’t live in an empty room, ultraviolet radiation will do little good.
Trautman said: “Most science shows that the effectiveness of ultraviolet light is really on a flatter surface.” “It doesn’t work well in corners and spaces because it’s a spectrum of visible light. If the light cannot enter, it will not give the same effect. So if you have curves and spaces, the bacteria in these curves and spaces will not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation. “
But more research is needed to see if the UV Sanitising Wand is safe, practical, and reliable. A safety concern is whether the equipment will damage the skin or eyes if misused. Also there is the risk that harmful ozone will form during the disinfection process.
More attention needs to be paid: when UV light shines on a surface with corners and gaps, penetration is almost impossible. Dirty and greasy surfaces also reduce UVC penetration. And even if the device can kill 99% of pathogenic bacteria, it can still leave enough microorganisms to cause infection.
The Health Risks of UV Sanitising Wands
Among the many problems associated with using ultraviolet sticks for disinfection, Kim Trautman, Executive Vice President of Medical Services Devices at NSF International, emphasized the dangers caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation in human beings.
She said: “As much ultraviolet light as possible can destroy cell walls, proteins, bacteria, and viral membranes.” It is also carcinogenic or can cause cancer that affects people. This is the ultraviolet spectrum that really burns us. Therefore, exposure to human skin and eyes is harmful to the human body. Therefore, this is not an easy task. “
These robots blew up the camera and people did not enter the field. In fact, a UV pencil requires someone to hold it. Looking at some of the UV rods available on Amazon, none were seen equipped with protective gear. However it is clearly stated that customers should wear safety glasses when using them. If the device can destroy the virus, it can also damage it.
Trautman said: “If you walk and there is no way to protect yourself, this may be more damaging to you than the potential for disinfection.”
Walking sticks are not only difficult to use, they also have the potential for collateral damage. In addition to destroying harmful microbes and microbes, ultraviolet radiation can also damage skin and eye cells. This is why the World Health Organization does not recommend its use for disinfection. Although devices that take the form of a container with interior lighting can avoid this hazard, the sticks are susceptible to possible collateral damage.
Go Traditional Instead
The most popular UV disinfection bars on the internet cost between $70 and $150. This money will surely be spent on more reliable and less dangerous traditional cleaning products. Ultraviolet light may be the default disinfectant in the future, but the future is not far away. You don’t need ultraviolet equipment (prices from $ 60 to $ 80) to kill microorganisms. If all is well, just wash the surface and hands with soap and water. You can also use cheaper sanitizing wipes or paper towels moistened with at least 60% alcohol in a hand sanitizer. Also note that these sanitizing sticks are different from portable ultraviolet water purifiers. UV water purifiers are effective and can be used for purposes that require the disinfection of drinking water (for example, when walking or traveling).