DO UV LIGHT PHONE SANITIZERS REALLY WORK?

The best ways to protect yourself against COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses include frequent hand washing, social distancing, and using appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks.

- STEVEN WINKELMAN

If you’re looking to take your precautionary game to the next level, though, you might be eyeing any number of UV light sanitizers that have recently flooded the market. But do they work? And if so, which one should you buy? We’re here to help you figure it out.

DOES UV LIGHT KILL BACTERIA?

UV light is one type of electromagnetic radiation that comes naturally from the sun and can be artificially created with specialized bulbs. There are three types of UV radiation—UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C—none of which can be observed with the naked eye. Of the three, UV-C has the smallest wavelengths (180-280nm) and is the one required for UV disinfection.

Most commercial UV products are sold as sanitizers, and it’s important to note sanitation and disinfection aren’t synonymous. Sanitization reduces the growth of bacteria, growth, or fungi. Disinfection, on the other hand, “eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects,” per the CDC.

UV-C light is just one disinfection method and is not yet proven to destroy COVID-19. The EPA keeps a list of COVID-19 approved disinfectants that can be used on various surfaces, but make sure to carefully read the directions, as many of these products aren’t tech-friendly.

DO UV SANITIZERS WORK?

While there isn’t proof that UV sanitizers destroy the novel coronavirus, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine believe the technology should work. UV light is effective against other coronaviruses, including the one that causes MERS, and the US government is working with industry leaders to define standards for UV disinfection technology settings.