Using UV light to kill coronavirus: The benefits and risks

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

With man-made hand sanitizer in short supply, many people are turning to what's been called "nature's hand sanitizer," or ultraviolet light. UV light is the latest popular tool in the ongoing race to find ways to prevent oneself from catching SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Disinfection by way of UV light is nothing new: The International Ultraviolet Association says it's been a useful technology for over 40 years, contributing to clean water and clean air. Many consumer devices also use UV light to disinfect things, such as self-cleaning UV light water bottles and UV-emitting cases that clean your dirty phone.

When it comes to the coronavirus, though, things aren't so clear-cut. There are risks that come with using UV light devices, especially when using them on your skin. Before ordering the first UV light sanitizer you see, read up on the current evidence about UV light disinfectants and the potential risks of using them on yourself.

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How do UV light hand sanitizers work?


A quick primer on UV light: UV light comes primarily from the sun, but there are also man-made sources of UV light, including tanning beds and the currently buzzed-about UV disinfection lamps.

There are three classes of UV light: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

UV-A and UV-B light cause sunburns and premature skin aging, and exposure to both is associated with the development of skin cancer. UV-C light, which has the most energy of all three types, is the most harmful, but it fortunately doesn't reach the Earth's surface because our atmosphere absorbs it.

https://www.cnet.com/health/can-uv-light-protect-you-from-covid-19/?ftag=CAD-04-10abi6g&bhid=24447454298893839703959737945916&mid=12917530&cid=534320049

[Kitchari]

1. K&R

For visibility

[tavernier]

2. Every time I come out of a commercial building

such as a store or post office or school, I walk to my car which I have parked a fair distance away and stretch out my arms and my hands to allow the sunlight to wash over me. Once I’m in my car I apply hand sanitizer from a big jug that I keep there, throw my masks on the dash where they can sit in the sunlight, and head home where I immediately take off my shoes and wash my hands. Since we have the sun, why not take advantage of it. Fortunately I live in an area where it’s sunny year round so I don’t need to buy any special lights.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. Plus, sunlight enables our bodies to make Vitamin D, which we all need.

I likewise live where it's sunny all year, and I love it.