Recently, the European Lighting Association (Lighting Europe) issued a message calling for permission to allow UVC products to enter the European market.
Lighting Europe fully recognizes the latest UVC safety guidelines issued by the Global Lighting Association (GLA) in May and calls on all EU member states to ensure that UVC lighting products can continue to be placed on the EU market.
Disinfecting and sterilizing ultraviolet rays is an effective method for inactivating viruses in solid surfaces, water and air. UVC technology has many application values, for example, disinfecting hospital wards, airplanes and even drinking water. Therefore, it is expected to become a weapon against the new coronavirus (COVID-19). UVC is a type of ultraviolet light with a wavelength between 100-280nm, which is the most effective disinfection ultraviolet light.
Lighting Europe shares this concern with the Global Lighting Association. With the increase in related products (especially online products on the Internet), many products do not have reliable safety features and complete safety instructions. Although UVC lamps can help contain viruses, they can harm human health if used incorrectly.
The statement issued by the Global Lighting Association provides manufacturers and potential users with effective guidelines for the safe use of UVC products. The way to safely use UVC technology to fight viruses must continue to expand.
Lighting Europe does not support the announcement issued by the Belgian authorities on May 15, 2020, which prohibits the use of UVC lamps in non-hospital environments. Lighting Europe calls on other EU member states not to follow this example.
