After the spread of Corona 19, some UV sterilizers frequently used for disinfection were found to have defects such as no sterilization wavelength or ozone. Although the UV emission is at a dangerous level, some products do not have protective equipment.
The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 23rd the results of a survey of 25 DC-powered UV sterilization products distributed in the market. As a result of the ultraviolet emission test, it was found that 3 out of 25 products (9.0%) to be irradiated do not emit UV (ultraviolet)-C wavelength with sterilization function. One product advertised that it had UV-C wavelength, but only emitted UV-A wavelength. The Crew, the manufacturer of this product, has decided to stop selling it, and to exchange or refund it if the consumer requests it. The two products were advertised as having a sterilizing effect even though only UV-A wavelengths, which cannot be expected to sterilize and disinfect, are emitted. The manufacturers Banana Corporation and M Tech One decided to exchange products.
In one product, ozone generated more than 0.5ppm, which is more than five times the safety standard (less than 0.1ppm). Inhalation of ozone can reduce respiratory function, and overexposure can lead to fainting beyond coughing, nausea, and headache. Inol, the manufacturer of this product, has not responded to the recommendation of Consumer Resources to stop selling and exchange or refund.
A consumer agency official pointed out that “the European Union and the United States are obligated to install a protective device suitable for the level of danger and to display caution statements for all electrical products that emit ultraviolet rays.”
Reporter Kim Nam-young [email protected]
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