If your inbox is anything like mine, you’ll have noticed that there seems to be a lot of UV-virus-busting product out there, much of it using UV-C as it’s means of destruction.
Time for a warning, then!
Back in 2017, when I was working with the guys at Revo Media, we published an Explainer that looked at the new idea (at the time) of using LEDs to provide ultra-violet sources for disinfection.
That article is still out there: Lux Explainer: UV LEDs
Now that we’re in the grip of a global infection its inevitable that we look for anything that can help keep us safe. But this is something that could cause far more damage than the thing its trying to protect us from.
UV-C does not discriminate between harmful and healthy cells and will destroy skin structure as easily as it takes out bacteria and viruses. So we have to be VERY careful in the way that we make us of it.
The product that’s spooked me most is a hand-held device called GermCideX. The makers are enthusiastic as to it’s properties, so let’s assume that it’s a real UV-C device and not just a piece of plastic with a blue light attached (and at £120 you’d want it to do something, I guess). But they do go out of their way to convince us that this is SAFE for humans and for pets – well, up to a point, my friends.
Used as intended, that is, to clean the bugs off a keyboard or around a WC – or to electronically swab down a countertop – that’s fine. But there are two key facts that must not be ignored:
- Its mobile. You can move it about. And its hand-held, which means that you need to be in close proximity to it;
- There is a startling amount of stupidity around at the moment – and what are we being told to do constantly, if not to wash our hands to remove bugs. Well – hey- I’ve got a hand-held bug destroyer here; why not just wave it over my hands and get the job done in a professional fashion – water and soap not required (please don’t do this)
There is no NO QUESTION that UV-C is an important weapon in the fight against infection. But weapons are generally neutral – they’ll attack whatever they are pointed at.
BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS STUFF!
And, just for the entertainment, if you don’t believe me, then believe bigclivedotcom and his video on Awesome flesh-burning death lamp (Germicidal UV)
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Stay Safe – stay well, my friends.