#Uvc lifestyle skin#

The question is: ‘Does it actually translate into a health benefit?’ ” said Amesh A. “It’s not a question of whether the UV works that’s not the issue. The real question, Reingold and other experts say, is whether these devices are necessary to prevent transmission of viruses - and they said no.

#Uvc lifestyle skin#

(The study in the Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science found that the most bacteria was left behind in the crevices in between the tablet’s case and screen.) Look for a device with a sensor or timer that shuts off the device when it’s done, so you’re not exposing your eyes or skin to the light, Linden said. The devices are best used on hard, nonporous objects with flat surfaces. Wands won’t be as effective, because they don’t concentrate the light on the objects and could also carry more risk, because the light is not contained. If you do purchase a gadget sanitizer, Linden said, get an enclosed-box model, which can concentrate the light safely and effectively, rather than a wand model. If you’ve been considering buying a UV phone sanitizer, consider this: Although the experts we spoke to say that this type of device works if it produces UV-C light in the appropriate dose, they still don’t recommend buying one.Įnclosed models will concentrate the UV light on the device you're trying to sanitize. Personal UV sanitizing devices can run from as little as $10 for a wand-style model to more than $100 for an enclosed box that will also charge your phone, with room to spare for your wallet and keys.

Air purifiers saw a bump as more was learned about how the virus spreads.Īnd one long-used but perhaps lesser-known disinfecting technology - ultraviolet light - got a big boost as consumers sought to protect the one item they touch the most: their phone. Face masks, first a DIY project, are now a staple for seemingly every brand.

Disinfectant wipes were a hot-ticket item for most of 2020. Almost a year into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States is a little cleaning obsessed.