Can UV light kill COVID-19?

Maybe you’ve seen a UV (or ultraviolet) light device at a doctor’s office or one of the many wands or containers for sale in stores or online. Can they really kill the COVID-19 virus?

Consumer Reports Chief Scientist James Dickerson says that may include the coronavirus, “The thing about ultraviolet is, it is of sufficient energy to cause damage to cells, DNA and other biological material, which can make it a powerful disinfectant against viruses and bacteria.”

Most of the lights for sale are UV-C.

But before you stock up, know the surface needs direct exposure to the light to kill the coronavirus. Dust, dirt, or even small crevices could impede that light, to the point it’s not fully effective.

Also, many of the UV lamps sold for home use are low dose, so it may take a longer exposure to a given surface to effectively kill a virus. Waving the light quickly over your items likely will not be enough.

And think safety: UV-C can burn eyes and skin, so never ever look directly at it, even briefly. For that reason, some compartment devices turn off when opened.

One more takeaway if you use one, the UV-C light can degrade certain materials, such as plastic, polymers and dyed textiles.