The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against the use of UV light for COVID-19 disinfection near or on human body parts. The FDA through Republic Act 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009 is mandated to regulate radiation devices such as UV emitting devices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), UV radiation can cause skin irritation and damage to eyes due to exposure.[1]
Additionally, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) does not recommend the use of UV lamps for consumers or personal use.[2] UV radiation is typically classified into three (3) wavebands with varying effects to human health:
| UV Band | Health Effects |
| UV-A (100 to 280 nm) | Soft UV. Associated with skin aging and other effects. |
| UV-B (280 to 315 nm) | Associated with sunburn, skin cancer, and cataracts. |
| UV-C (100 to 280 nm) | Commonly used in ‘germicidal’ or disinfection lamps. Also associated with sunburns and eye injury (photokeratitis). |
As such, the public is advised to follow infection control protocols against COVID-19 from the Department of Health (DOH) like proper handwashing, coughing/sneezing etiquette, and social/physical distancing.
For your guidance.
Attachment:-> FDA-Advisory-No.2020-2052