As interest in personal hygiene has increased due to the spread of a novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), UV sterilization products that can disinfect daily necessities such as masks and mobile phones are gaining popularity. However, as a result of a survey of 25 DC-powered UV sterilization products distributed and sold by the Korea Consumer Agency on the 23rd, it is difficult to expect a sterilization effect of 22 products (88%), or it is likely to be harmful to the human body due to the absence of a protection device. It turned out to be great.
Products that have no sterilization effect and exceed safety standards 5 times
As a result of an investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency on the 23rd, 25 products of DC-powered ultraviolet sterilizers, three products did not emit UV-C wavelengths with sterilization function, and one product had ozone more than five times the safety standard (less than 0.1ppm). happened. Materials Korea Consumer Agency
According to the investigation, the three products (9%) did not emit UV-C, the wavelength of ultraviolet sterilization. One of these products was advertised as emitting UV-C wavelength, but only UV-A was emitted, and two products were advertised as having various bacteria sterilization effects even though only UV-A, which cannot be expected to sterilize and disinfect. Was doing.
One product among the survey subjects produced ozone, which exceeded five times the safety standard (less than 0.1 ppm). Because UV-C lamps decompose oxygen molecules in the air, they can generate ozone, which is harmful to the human body. Inhalation of ozone can cause damage to the laryngeal mucosa, bronchi, and lung cells, which can reduce respiratory function. Overexposure can cause coughing, nausea, and headache, or fainting.
It’s dangerous even with 64% temporary exposure… Safety blind spot
Examples of UV sterilization product protection devices by type. Materials Korea Consumer Agency
Of the 25 products, 21 products did not have protective devices (autism, power off, etc.) or warning signs, even though they emit high-dose ultraviolet rays. According to the photobiological risk assessment, which measures the risk of damage to the skin (erythema, skin cancer, etc.) and eyes (photokeratitis, conjunctivitis, cataract, etc.) caused by exposure to UV rays, 5 (20%) products were in risk group 2 (exposure avoidance). If it is not dangerous), 16 products (64%) were classified into risk group 3 (danger even with temporary exposure).
The European Union (EU) and the United States are required to evaluate photobiological hazards for all electric and electronic products that emit ultraviolet rays, and to install protective devices and display warnings and cautions according to the risk group (UL certification). However, although Korea manages the electric sterilizer as an electrical appliance subject to safety confirmation, most DC-powered ultraviolet sterilization products are in a safety blind spot, except for products with DC power of 42V or less.
Based on the results of this survey, the Consumer Agency plans to request the National Institute of Technology and Standards to establish safety standards for DC-powered ultraviolet sterilization products. Consumers said, “When purchasing an ultraviolet ray sterilization product, you must check whether it is a product with protection devices such as power cutoff and shielding.” When using a product exposed to the outside of the UV light source, wear gloves and safety glasses, and put it on children’s hands. It should be kept out of reach.”
Reporter Chu In-young [email protected]