Watchdog warns of health risks from short exposure to anti-germ devices

A consumer watchdog has warned that people who use portable ultraviolet-C germicidal devices against Sars should be careful because they could cause skin cancer.

The warning came after about 700 ultraviolet-C (UV-C) lamps were returned to suppliers last month, when the Consumer Council asked the public to stop using any UV-C lamps for environmental hygiene or illumination as prolonged exposure to UV radiation could cause skin cancer, skin ageing and eye damage, while shorter contact could lead to skin burns and eye irritations.

The manufacturers of the two devices, which are powered by dry batteries and cost $488 and $188 each, claim that the lamps are suitable for sterilising kitchen chopping boards, knives, dinnerware and other household items.

The council has found that even only seconds of exposure to the devices, which deliver UV radiation, can cause eye and skin problems.

At a distance of 5mm, the UV radiation emitted by the two samples for just 1.4 seconds to 4.5 seconds exceeded international standards.

'The UV-C germicidal devices may give a false sense of security in killing germs as the area of disinfection is incomplete,' said Connie Lau yin-hing, head of the council's research and survey division.

'People should pay attention to home hygiene, and use bleach or wear a mask if they want to better guard against Sars.'