Global Lighting Association (GLA) releases safety guidelines for UV-C disinfection equipment

Disinfecting ultraviolet light is an effective method for inactivating viruses on solid surfaces, water, and air. Therefore, it is expected to become a powerful tool against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). UV-C is a type of ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 100-280 nanometers and is the most effective disinfecting ultraviolet light.

Although UV-C helps curb viruses, improper use can harm human health. The Global Lighting Association is concerned that the widespread use of disinfection and sterilization UV devices (especially UV disinfection devices sold online) will lead to safety hazards.

Relevant standardization bodies will establish comprehensive standards for the safe operation of UV-C devices. However, this process will take months, even years. For public safety, as a temporary measure, the Global Lighting Association has convened industry experts to develop corresponding product guidelines to assist users and manufacturers until the relevant standards are published.

Currently, there is intense international focus on using UV-C ultraviolet radiation to intervene in the transmission risk of COVID-19, and with the spread of the pandemic globally, this attention is growing rapidly. Starting from March 2020, the Global Lighting Association (GLA) formed a working group including Chinese representatives to conduct concentrated discussions on relevant technical issues, completed the work recently, and issued a position statement on guidelines for the safe use of UV-C devices to regulate the safe use of UV-C devices.

The original English text of the "UV-C Safety Guidelines" published by the Global Lighting Association, which can be obtained by clicking "Read Original Text". The "UV-C Safety Guidelines" can also be downloaded from the Global Lighting Association's website (https://www.globallightingassociation.org).