Maybe this is also a rest...?
新型コロナウイルスの殺菌に紫外線の有効性が注目されているなか、関連ガジェットも増えてきました。米Gizmodoの取材によると、こうしたUV消毒系プロダクトの現状は、有効性や安全性について十分考慮されていない場合があるとのこと。家庭で紫外線消毒をできるのは便利そうですが、その一方で消費者としてどんなことを知っておくべきなのでしょうか?
In the last few weeks, I have often seen advertising for UV disinfecting gadgets.Certainly, smartphones, bags, and masks are no longer beautiful.Kickstarter is about to appear in products that would not have existed in front of Corona, such as UV toilet brushes and UV masks.
SAMSUNG's wireless charging UV disinfectant is probably one of the gadgets born from the new Coronavirus.In the press release, "in today's world, hygiene management of people is becoming more important. We will introduce a new UV sterilized device equipped with wireless charging to prevent the spread of bacteria and pathogens."It has been.
The device sterilization rate is 99%, and it has been certified for Intertek and SGS.In addition, it can be used as a wireless charging, and it has a double function that can be charged while sterilizing if it fits in this box....Somehow, it seems to be reliable.If you search on Amazon, some of these UV gadget search results will appear, but it seems that there are things that should be considered before you click.
"UV disinfection" is not a hoax
In hospital facilities, ultraviolet rays are useful for personal protective equipment (PPE) and water supply.So what does "borrowing from the ultraviolet rays and sterilization" mean?
First, UV disinfection must be a UVC light (Ultraviolet C, a 100-280 nanometer ultraviolet light).This is different from sunlight, tan salon UVA, and UVB light.According to the International UV Radio Association (IUVA), UVC lights have been used for more than 40 years as a way to disinfect the surface of water, wastewater, air, pharmaceuticals, and other objects.
では、なぜコロナ禍で登場した製品には注意が必要なのか? それは、UVCライトが消毒剤として機能する一方で、UVCを利用した製品がその有効性や人体への影響について十分に考慮されたとは限らないため。
"UV disinfection was really effective for about 100 years when it was done correctly," said Professor Jim Malley, a New Hampshire Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering.He has been studying ultraviolet rays and other chemical and physical methods for more than 30 years as a founder and representative of the International UV Radi Raunch Association (IUVA).According to him, "The biggest problem here, the dilemma is" if it is done correctly. "
では、何が問題なのか?
According to Malley, the current consumer UV gadget market lacks consistent regulations and monitoring, and there is no approval mark for consumers to easily confirm safety.For example, the wearable industry has FDA approval and CE marks, indicating that products are less likely to harm.However, he says that the UV gadget is "a market without restrictions, so companies are intentionally or unconsciously producing absurd products."
In addition, the FAQ at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Medicine states that "many UV optical devices that are sold in the general public have no regular reviews on safety and effectiveness, so they need to be used with care."。
For example, if you search for "UV Wonder" on Amazon, you will get 71 results.However, using these devices will result in UVC unnecessarily unnecessary, and there is also a danger to the eyes.If you use these devices in your house unnecessarily, it is better to be careful not only to use not only the users but also the pets and small children.
The same applies to UV lamps / UV lights.The WHO website states that "ultraviolet lamps should not be used in hands or other skin parts."Malley points out that the effect of these gadgets will diminish depending on the usage distance.
本当に消毒できる?
UV lights can be disinfected only within the range of light.According to him, many smartphone UV disinfecting gadgets are not structurally sufficient.For this reason, for example, if there is a UV light on one side of the box, or if it is not made of reflective material, disinfection at the top or lower part of the smartphone is not performed.This also states in Samsung's press release that "it is not disinfected in areas where the product UV light does not hit."
The new UV disinfected gadgets, which are newly circulating in the consumer market, have been created (perhaps in good faith) as part of the new colon virus measures.Against that background, Malley says that a large-scale and assessed survey to verify that it is really effective for COVID-19 is not conducted.So far, there is no evidence that pathogens are resistant to UVC disinfection.However, it is necessary to be careful if you say that you can thoroughly sterilize the new colon virus without sufficient research or testing.
"Smart consumer"
Even if you have an appropriate design and verification process someday, even if the perfect UV disinfection gadgets at an affordable price appear, you will not be able to neglect hand washing, social distance, and mask wearing.Of course, not all UV disinfected gadgets are the case, but it may be a typical example as Malley's product that gives a strange sense of security.He states that these gadgets are "often not worth your efforts," and that quick -drying wipe with more than 60 % alcohol is a better option.
The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) is currently working on a series of protocols that systematize the verification process.Usually, it takes a lot of time for a new product category to be verified.So what can we do as a consumer?Whether the company behind the product properly invests in R & D, whether the product is adopted in the hospital, or whether the results of verification research are sent....If you look at these and find out that none of them apply, it may be wise to delete them from the cart.
