UV Radiation and COVID-19 Containment

April 24, 2020

 

 

The use of UV Radiation in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

People the world over are looking for ways to manage the containment of the COVID-19 disease, including the use of UV radiation in the disinfection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes the disease. The International Commission on Illumination (CIE), in agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO), warns against the use of UV radiation disinfection lamps to sterilize the hands or any other area of skin. “UV radiation has a great role to play in the disinfection of water, upper room air, and surfaces”, says Dr Peter Blattner, President of the CIE, “but it can be dangerous if used inappropriately.”

To support the international community at this time, the CIE has made two of its key publications freely available (https://bit.ly/3bDvQvV) and will be releasing a more detailed position statement within the next fortnight. The position statement will give further background information and advice on the safe and proper use of UV radiation.

The CIE is devoted to worldwide cooperation and the exchange of information on all matters relating to the science and art of light and lighting, colour and vision, photobiology and image technology.

 

Contact and further information:
CIE Central Bureau ciecb@cie.co.at
http://www.cie.co.at