Dr. Cherryl Mendiola is used to using UV light in the hospital, especially when she is often in the operating room.
Although popular in online shops, he would not recommend using UV lights outside the hospital.
“Do I recommend it for households? UV lamps? Hindi siguro kasi UVC light is dangerous to human skin and eyes. When you use UV lamps dapat walang tao sa room,” said Mendiola, chair of the Department of Anaesthesia at Novaliches District Hospital.
She said the public should understand that there is a proper way to use UV lamps, and it also has limitations.
“People who use it at home might think na porke’t naka-on ang UV light, the whole room is disinfected, it doesn’t work that way. Kung ano lang ang natatamaan ng light,” said Mendiola.
“Ang aircon fins, ang aircon fans, hindi ‘yan napapasukan ng UV lights, so that is not clean,” she added.
The BioRisk Association of the Philippines (BRAP) agrees with Mendiola.
According to the group, there are many other effective ways to disinfect the environment.
“Unang-una na po diyan ang tamang paghuhugas ng kamay gamit ang isang sabon. Epektibo po ito talaga na magpababa ng posibilidad ng impeksiyon,” said Oliver Dumaoal of BRAP.
Use of UV lamps, air purifiers for disinfection not recommended
“Typically, ang 70 percent na concentration ng alcohol ay sapat na at napakamura na available sa merkado para patayin ang mikrobyo,” said Dumaoal.
BRAP also does not believe in personal air purifiers.
“Kasi sinusuot natin siya sa publiko kung saan nasa isa kang open space. Sa ganoon pong klaseng sitwasyon hindi gumagana ang mga personal air purifiers,” said Dumaoal.
The Department of Health previously warned that UV lamps purchased online, portable ionizing air filters, foot baths, and sanitation tents are ineffective against COVID-19.
In addition to following minimum health standards, doctors advise that you throw away the face mask you are wearing immediately when you return home.
It is also advisable to immediately change clothes, bathe, and wear a mask indoors if there is a risk of infection.
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