PR85018

NORTHBROOK, Illinois, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- American Lighting Association, the National Electrical Manufacturers

Association and UL bring UVC light application risks to the forefront with new

position paper

With a shared commitment to the safety and performance of electrical lighting,

UL, a leading global safety science company, the American Lighting Association

(ALA) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have

released a new position paper due to an increased demand for sanitizing and

germicidal capabilities in the face of COVID-19. The position paper has two

goals: to bring attention to ultraviolet light device safety risks; and to help

manufacturers, retailers and consumers understand which devices are safe and

under what conditions they can be operated safely.

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The paper, "Ultraviolet-C (UVC) Germicidal Devices: What Consumers Need To

Know(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2875251-1&h=904193148&u=https%3A%2F%2Ful.com%2Fuvlighting&a=Ultraviolet-C+(UVC)+Germicidal+Devices%3A+What+Consumers+Need+To+Know

)," provides a deeper look at the UVC germicidal devices available to consumers

and their potential to cause severe injuries to humans and pets, as well as

damage to plants and materials.

"We are all extremely concerned about the impacts and elimination of COVID-19

and what can be done to mitigate the spread of the virus.  In this current

global situation, the growing interest around sanitation and germicidal

properties is putting UVC devices in greater focus than ever before," said Todd

Straka, global industry director of UL's Lighting division.  

"There has been an alarming rise in the availability of consumer-facing

ultraviolet germicidal devices that don't effectively contain UVC light and

carry very serious risks, including permanent eye, skin and lung damage. This

is a major safety issue that urgently needs to be communicated to consumers and

potential users of these devices. By teaming up with ALA and NEMA, who also

share these concerns, we are aiming to educate consumers and manufacturers

regarding the potential safety risk implications of using UVC light," Straka

said.

Ultraviolet (UV) naturally occurs in three types: UVA, UVB and UVC, all of

which have certain benefits and pose certain hazards. While UVC is the type

that has proven to have the most germicidal benefits, including killing

bacteria and inactivating viruses, any uncontained UVC exposure that is strong

enough to kill germs is a risk to people, pets and plants.

"Uncontained UVC germicidal products used in a healthcare setting do have

benefits to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, unlike those being

marketed to consumers, they are used by trained professionals who have taken

appropriate safety training and use the appropriate protective equipment to

take precautions against UVC overexposure," said Terry K. McGowan, director,

Engineering and Technology, American Lighting Association.

"As the leading residential lighting industry trade association, it is our duty

to promote the proper, safe application of lighting products, while also

communicating to our members and the public lighting safety risks. By

collaborating on the UVC position paper with safety expert UL and NEMA, ALA

wants to help communicate to the lighting industry the importance of developing

and marketing products that can be safely operated without risk to human

health," McGowan said.

"We know that UVC is a proven way to help eliminate dangerous bacteria and

viruses in water, air and on surfaces. Nevertheless, in the midst of COVID-19,

we are concerned about proliferation of UVC disinfecting devices being sold

with uncertain safety features and incomplete operating instructions," said

Karen Willis, industry director, Lighting Systems, National Electrical

Manufacturers Association.

"Establishing and maintaining the safety of UVC devices is a priority for NEMA

and across the lighting industry in all sectors, including consumer, commercial

and healthcare applications. We are proud to be a part of this important

educational effort," Willis said.

The "Ultraviolet-C (UVC) Germicidal Devices: What Consumers Need to Know"

position paper, a detailed chart of UVC products for consumer, commercial,

healthcare and UVC germicidal device components and information about their

path to certification can be found at UL.com/uvlighting.

About UL

UL helps create a better world by applying science to solve safety, security

and sustainability challenges. We empower trust by enabling the safe adoption

of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to

make the world a safer place. All of our work, from independent research and

standards development, to testing and certification, to providing analytical

and digital solutions, helps improve global well-being. Businesses, industries,

governments, regulatory authorities and the public put their trust in us so

they can make smarter decisions. To learn more, visit www.UL.com. To learn more

about our nonprofit activities, visit www.UL.org.

Press Contact:

Steven Brewster

UL

steven.brewster@ul.com

SOURCE: UL