Filtered By: Topstories
News

DOH exec: UV light as disinfectant best in healthcare settings only


The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said the use of ultraviolet (UV) light as a disinfectant is only appropriate in healthcare settings such as inside hospitals and clinics.

Asked about the rising popularity of cleaning devices that make use of UV light amid the pandemic, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there is no sufficient evidence yet to prove that UV lights are an effective disinfectant in any other setting.

“Ayon po sa recommendation ng World Health Organization (WHO) tungkol sa cleaning and disinfection, ang mga devices na gumagamit ng UV light para sa disinfection ay angkop para sa healthcare settings,” she said at a briefing.

“Alinsunod sa rekomendasyon ng WHO ay hindi po ito replacement o maaaring pamalit sa manual na paglilinis at pagpupunas at pagtanggal ng mga contaminants mula sa environmental surfaces,” she added.

Vergeire also said that other factors such as the dose of light and the exposure of the item subject to disinfection may affect the effectiveness of UV light against contaminants.

“Bukod po dito, maaari po itong magdulot ng pinsala sa paningin, skin irritation, pagkasunog, at increased risk for skin cancer kaya’t hindi po namin ito inirerekomenda sa ngayon,” she said.

The DOH instead recommended the use of alcohol or bleach solution to disinfect surfaces. — RSJ, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT