Are UVC lamps a health risk?

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, UVC lamps are presented as dangerous... What is it really?

les risques uvc

UV-C: WHAT IS IT?

Ultraviolet rays whose wavelength is between 280 and 100 nanometers are called “UV-C” .

Most people have heard of the dangers of exposure to UV-A (400-315 nm) and UV-B (315-280 nm) emitted by the sun or sunbeds. UV-C is also produced by the sun, but since it is the shortest wavelength ultraviolet radiation, it is almost completely absorbed by the atmosphere before reaching the earth’s surface.

Consequently, we are only little or not naturally exposed to it, and this is a good thing: the shorter the wavelength, the greater the potential dangers of ultraviolet radiation for human health.

WHY ARE UV-C LAMPS USED?

Artificially produced UV-C rays have been used successfully as bactericides and germicides for decades . They can destroy microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and other pathogens or prevent their growth, and are a chemical-free alternative to other disinfection methods, such as the use of chlorine.

Due to their effectiveness and benefits, UV-C is used in an increasing number of applications, for example for disinfection in waste water treatment plants, in laboratories, air conditioning systems, swimming pools and aquariums, as well as at various stages of the food and beverage manufacturing process. UV-C is also used in medical and hospital settings to sterilize instruments, work surfaces and the air.

Risques des uvc

WHY ARE UV-C LAMPS CAUSE CONCERNS?

While most devices using UV-C lamps are sealed systems that prevent exposure, more and more devices that can directly expose consumers to UV-C are entering the market.

With a wider choice of applications — such as small, home-use solar cells used to disinfect drinking water in developing countries — the risk of accidental exposure or misuse increases.

It is for this reason that ALL our products meet the IP 20 standard which does not let out any UVC rays!

ARE UV-C LAMPS SAFE?

UV-C lamps have been in use for many decades with only a small number of incidents caused by accidental exposure or misuse .

Their use makes it possible to safeguard human health by disinfection of water, air and surfaces, and to prevent the risk of contamination. However, SCHEER cannot draw any conclusions on their safety because there are few studies on human exposure under normal conditions of use.

Source: Based on an article by the European Commission

What are UVs?

These are electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the naked eye, they are also known as “black light”. UV rays have more or less long electromagnetic wavelengths but are always lower than that of light, which is what makes them invisible to the naked eye.

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Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, UVC lamps are presented as dangerous... What is it really?