Health Canada Warns People To Stop Using UV Lights That Falsely Claim To Kill COVID-19
The fight against COVID-19 is ongoing, and it's understandable that people would want to do anything to protect themselves. However, Health Canada has advised against the use of one product due to unproven claims. They say that handheld ultraviolet lights being sold to combat the virus are not only ineffective but also dangerous.
An advisory released on November 18 warns Canadians that companies may be selling UV devices under the claim that they can disinfect a surface against COVID-19.
They want people to know that this has not been proven in any capacity, and that using UV lights in a home setting, especially on one's skin, can be more hazardous than helpful.
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What are the products?
Various ultraviolet (UV) lights and wands have been sold in Canada under the pretense of being able to disinfect surfaces enough to kill the COVID-19 virus.
They are often small handheld devices that can be waved over any object. In some cases, the lights are meant to be used on your skin.
Any company that is manufacturing these items and saying that they protect against COVID-19 needs to prove that they work.
Health Canada notes that they have not received any proof to show that UV light is effective in killing the virus, and that it is illegal to sell health products using false or misleading claims.
Do they have health risks?
On top of being unproven in the realm of protecting against COVID-19, ultraviolet lights can also be hazardous in a home setting.
The World Health Organization states that UV light should never be used to disinfect skin under any circumstances, as it can cause irritation.
Large doses of UV radiation, such as the amount from prolonged exposure to sunlight, can even lead to various types of skin cancer.
On top of skin irritation, UV light can also potentially cause eye damage.
HealthlinkBC notes that this can include symptoms such as pain, photophobia (a heightened sensitivity to light), and the feeling of having something in your eye.
What can be used to disinfect instead?
Both the WHO and Health Canada want to remind everyone that washing your hands with soap and water is still the best defense against COVID-19.
Alcohol-based sanitizers are also a more reliable option than applying UV light to your skin.
As for hard surfaces, Health Canada has an entire list of disinfectants that have been proven to be effective against the virus.
They also note that all of the other important steps to preventing the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and frequent mask-wearing, should also continue to be done.