Does UV Light Kill Viruses and Germs?
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An employee of the Chilean-Brazilian airline LATAM monitors the operation of a robot that uses UV light to clean the interior of the aircraft.
Photo: Nelson Almeida/AFP via Getty Images
The disinfecting capabilities of UV-C light (ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 200 and 280 nanometers, which can cause sunburn and DNA mutation) were brought to our attention during a discussion with certified sex coach Gigi Engle, who talked about the best rabbit and bullet vibrators available online. She utilizes a UV-light sterilization pouch to eliminate bacteria from her sex toys, which can lead to infections. According to her, UV light offers a more convenient solution than traditional soap and water. "You wipe down your toys and place them in the pouch – it's that simple," she explains.
This led us to ponder: If UV light excels in cleaning sex toys, what other items could benefit from this technology? To delve deeper, we consulted several medical professionals and a Strategist staff member who frequently uses a UV-light-equipped water bottle. Dr. Eric Lee, a physician from St. Louis, confirmed that "UV light, commonly employed in many household cleaning devices, has proven effective in lab studies at eliminating bacteria from items such as computer screens and toothbrushes, and is similarly effective against viruses." Microbiologist Alex Berezow, editor at Big Think, added, "UV light is deadly to bacteria and viruses due to its high frequency, which disrupts their genetic material. This damage leads to mutations, preventing replication." While concerns regarding coronavirus were raised, Dr. Aaron Glatt from Mount Sinai stated that there isn't enough evidence to confirm UV light devices' effectiveness against it. However, Berezow mentions that since "UV light kills all pathogens, including viruses, it should theoretically eliminate coronaviruses.” He corroborates that it's effective against other types of viruses, such as influenza.
With their insights in mind, we explored various UV light devices that eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, ranging from MRSA to E. coli. For example, there's a UV-emitting robot designed to sanitize operating rooms or a large UV light wand created by Boeing for disinfecting airplanes.
Beyond industrial applications, various portable UV sanitizing devices such as boxes, wands, and water bottles assert the capability to eradicate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses from surfaces like phones, toothbrushes, and pacifiers. We've curated the top available products online; many have successfully undergone rigorous lab tests to substantiate their claims. And just to reiterate, UV light must not be used on human skin or any part of the body. Caution is also advised to avoid eye exposure when utilizing UV-light devices.
[It's important to note that while these devices can be effective in killing germs, they cannot replace the importance of regular hand washing, social distancing, and mask-wearing.]
Munchkin Portable UV Sterilizer
$20
Environmental health expert Linda Lee, who serves as the Chief Medical Affairs and Science Officer at UV Angel, asserts that both UV light and disinfectants like bleach or ethanol are equally effective for surface sanitation. She advocates for utilizing whichever method you have access to, although she notes that UV treatment may be more advantageous in certain scenarios. "Chemical treatments can leave residues on pacifiers and similar items, which isn't ideal for babies," she warns. While Linda Lee hasn't personally tested the Munchkin sterilizer, the brand claims it has been independently validated.
$20
at Munchkin$20
at Bed Bath & Beyond59S Nursery Sterilizer
$130
Another Munchkin and 59S collaboration, this sanitizer targets larger items such as children's toys, baby bottles, and smartphones. It claims to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses within five minutes and is designed for easy transport.
$130
at MunchkinCoral UV Sterilizer and Dryer
$169
$169
Similar to the aforementioned sanitizer, the Coral UV device can accommodate up to four bottles, caps, and nipples, with independent laboratory testing supporting its efficacy claims.
$169
at Coral UVHoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer
$80
Experts Berezow, Eric Lee, and Linda Lee collectively agree that UV light demonstrates heightened effectiveness when employed in high-contact items exposed to germs from numerous individuals. Therefore, if you primarily stay within your home bubble due to social distancing, “the germs on your phone are likely the same as those on your hands,” notes Berezow. Since majority of people use their phones frequently, killing those germs only becomes counterproductive once you begin using the phone again. Nonetheless, after returning home from grocery shopping, it's advisable to sanitize your phone before washing your hands.
$80
at Amazon$80
at Amazon59S UV Light Sanitizer Wand
$120
$120
Berezow believes these devices could be immensely valuable in public areas, affirming that industrial UV light products could significantly lower disease transmission rates in places like airplanes and restaurants. "Unfortunately, the high expense and inconvenience are drawbacks," he admits. For now, many UV sanitizing wands reportedly perform comparably to Clorox wipes in eliminating bacteria and viruses on non-porous surfaces. Upon researching UV devices for the Strategist, he mentioned, "UV light wands might serve as effective alternatives to chemical cleaners on flat surfaces." However, he found scant information regarding rough materials like fabrics or bedding. Immunologist Purvi Parikh states that while portable devices are useful for surfaces, they should not be applied to skin. One such folding UV-light wand by 59S includes an automatic shut-off feature for eye protection when inverting. Its lights allegedly last for about 10,000 hours and can eradicate up to 99.9% of germs on various surfaces within three minutes.
$120
at 59SVeriClean Portable UV-C Wand
$110
$110
This portable UV wand is engineered to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, in addition to most viruses and mold spores. For optimal effectiveness, the brand recommends positioning it two to three inches from the desired surface for a minimum of ten to twenty seconds. It's also crucial to avoid direct eye exposure while using it as this wand does not shut off when inverted.
$110
at Oak & HearthUVDF have been supplying products worldwide across various industries, emphasizing quality. We strive to deliver more high-value products to our clients. Together, let's create a brighter future.
Several water bottles and caps utilize UV light to purify drinking water, effectively combating unpleasant odors and, in some cases, ensuring water safety. Strategist associate director Stephanie Downes, who is immunodeficient due to Crohn's disease, received a Larq water bottle from her sister after previous filter systems failed her. She remarks, "Due to my condition, I can’t consume tap water. While I rely on a Berkey filter at home, having this option when I go outside is invaluable. I can pour tap water, press a button, and make it safe to drink." Alternatively, less expensive UV bottle caps can be acquired that fit most S'well-type bottles.
Katadyn Ultra Water Purifier
$120
$120
Designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, the rechargeable Katadyn SteriPEN water purifier employs UV-C light to kill 99.9% of diarrhea-causing protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. The device is crafted as a waste-reducing alternative to bottled water, claiming to purify 16 ounces of either hot or cold water in under a minute, and 32 ounces in 90 seconds.
$120
at REI
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