How lamps with UV-C radiation can help reduce health risks

March 26, 2020

In many countries hospitals and healthcare institutions are working around the clock to treat patients. While our lamps with UV-C radiation cannot treat people directly, they can have a meaningful contribution.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to many countries and territories around the globe and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a pandemic.

So, what is UV-C radiation?

UV-C radiation is invisible to the human eye in the wavelength between 200 – 280 nanometers (nm). At the specific wavelength of 253.7 nm it can be used for disinfection or purification as it breaks the DNA of micro-organisms and makes them harmless.

How can this be applied then?

UV-C radiation can be used to eliminate viruses, bacteria and moulds from water, air and surfaces.

Hospitals, other healthcare institutions and public spaces, including schools (during nights or after closing when no persons are in the room) can design UV-C installations and/or cleaning schedules for using UV-C radiation that can help in neutralizing viruses. It will also eliminate any other virus that could complicate the recovery of patients, both now and in the future."

As such, UV-C can help to eliminate the COVID-19 virus from surfaces and reduce the risk of future virus outbreaks*.

Is it safe?

Lamps with UV-C radiation are safe as long as they’re used by professionals that know how to apply it. When they use it they’ll need to shield their eyes and skin as the light will cause damage to those.

Individuals, however, should never use lamps with UV-C radiation on themselves nor on animals as it will result in severe injuries to their eyes and skin."

So what are the next steps?

We are working with our partners in many countries to see how we can accelerate the use of lamps with UV-C radiation in those facilities where it can have a positive impact. In China, where the use of UV-C is much more established, we already worked with healthcare facilities in many places.

* Microbiological research performed showing the effectiveness of UV-C in neutralizing bacteria and viruses

About the author:

Femke Megens - de Poorter

Product manager Purification

For further information, please contact:

Signify Global Integrated Communications
Neil Pattie
Tel: + 31 6 15 08 48 17
Email: neil.pattie@signify.com

About Signify

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) is the world leader in lighting for professionals, consumers and the Internet of Things. Our Philips products, Interact systems and data-enabled services, deliver business value and transform life in homes, buildings and public spaces. In 2023, we had sales of EUR 6.7 billion, approximately 32,000 employees and a presence in over 70 countries. We unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. We have been in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index since our IPO for seven consecutive years and have achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for four consecutive years, placing Signify in the top one percent of companies assessed. News from Signify can be found in the Newsroom, on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Information for investors is located on the Investor Relations page.

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