The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has issued a warning to consumers of the dangers of portable devices using ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
Director of Assessment and Advice at ARPANSA, Rick Tinker said UVR devices were currently being promoted to treat or prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Dr Tinker said the devices emitted short-wave UVR, known as UVC, and were being marketed for use in personal or home sterilisation as a means of killing the virus responsible for COVID-19.
“ARPANSA and our colleagues at the World Health Organisation are concerned about the dangers of home use of UVC lamps,” Dr Tinker said.
“Using these small commercially available lamps in the home is not recommended and can be very dangerous.”
He said the lamps varied in effectiveness and could provide a false impression of safety.
There were also serious health risks if skin or eyes were exposed to UVC light, he said.
“UVC exposure to the skin or eyes can cause both short term injury and long term health effects,” Dr Tinker said.
“Possible health impacts include burns, eye injuries and an increased risk of skin cancer or cataracts.
“UVC lamps are not proven to effectively kill the virus responsible for COVID-19 on the body, personal living spaces or handheld objects such as mobile phones and shopping bags.
“They present serious health risks and are considered an unjustified radiation exposure.”
Dr Tinker said the best protection against COVID-19 was to practice good hygiene, wash hands and surfaces thoroughly and comply with social-distancing measures.
