UL, a leading global safety science company, American Lighting Association (ALA) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) released a new position paper owing to increased demand for sanitizing and germicidal capabilities due to the ongoing pandemic. The position paper has two goals: to bring attention to ultraviolet light device safety risks and to help manufacturers, retailers and consumers understand which devices are safe and under which conditions they can be operated safely.
Todd Straka, Global Industry Director, UL’s Lighting Division said: “We are all extremely concerned about the impacts and elimination of COVID-19 and what can be done to mitigate the spread of the virus. In this current global situation, the growing interest around sanitation and germicidal properties is putting UVC devices in greater focus than ever before.”
He added: “There has been an alarming rise in the availability of consumer-facing ultraviolet germicidal devices that don’t effectively contain UVC light and carry very serious risks, including permanent eye, skin and lung damage. This is a major safety issue that urgently needs to be communicated to consumers and potential users of these devices. By teaming up with ALA and NEMA, who also share these concerns, we are aiming to educate consumers and manufacturers regarding the potential safety risk implications of using UVC light.”
Terry K. McGowan, Director, Engineering and Technology, American Lighting Association said: “Uncontained UVC germicidal products used in a healthcare setting do have benefits to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, unlike those being marketed to consumers, they are used by trained professionals who have taken appropriate safety training and use the appropriate protective equipment to take precautions against UVC overexposure.”
Karen Willis, Industry Director, Lighting Systems, National Electrical Manufacturers Association said: “We know that UVC is a proven way to help eliminate dangerous bacteria and viruses in water, air and on surfaces. Nevertheless, amid COVID-19, we are concerned about the proliferation of UVC disinfecting devices being sold with uncertain safety features and incomplete operating instructions.”
