-- 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
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and sustainability challenges. We empower trust by enabling the safe adoption 
of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to 
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Press Contact:
Steven Brewster
UL
steven.brewster@ul.com


SOURCE: UL