Is the UV cell phone sanitizer box really effective?-Information Technology

In addition to cleaning the phone with specialized solutions, you can also use a UV disinfection box. However, are these devices really effective?

Professor of microbiology Charles Gerba and researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine (London) discovered that smartphoneThe device that we often use every day has 10 times more bacteria than a toilet. 80% of infectious diseases come from things we touch every day, such as phones, shoes, hygiene tools, toilets…

Most technology companies like Apple, Google, Samsung … all recommend users to clean the phone with a soft, lint-free cloth, a little warm water, soap and a cotton swab. However, like when cleaning any electronic device, this requires you to be extremely careful, as any drops of water or excess moisture can cause some serious damage. if it enters the connection port.

In addition to cleaning the phone with specialized solutions, you can also use a UV disinfection box. So how exactly do these devices work and how effective are they?

A device that disinfects phones with UV rays on the market. Photo: Phonesoap

Sterilizers that use UV light to kill pathogens and viruses have been used in the medical field for many years, but they have become more popular with consumers amid the COVID-19 pandemic- 19.

A UV phone sanitizer box is basically just a small plastic or metal container that contains a few UV light bulbs. Users only need to put their phones, keys, credit cards, glasses, smart watches, etc. into the holder, close the lid and press the button to disinfect the device for about 5-10 minutes.

How does UV light kill bacteria?

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that you normally encounter as sunlight, although it can also be reproduced using artificial light sources. There are three different types of UV rays:

UV-A rays have the longest wavelength. You’ll find these on tanning beds, tickers, and in club lights.

– UV-B rays have a slightly shorter wavelength. These substances can help the skin produce Vitamin D3 (but can also cause sunburn).

UV-C rays have the shortest wavelength. They are often used for disinfection purposes, as they can damage the DNA of microorganisms. This can kill or prevent them from becoming active and reproducing.

Note, all of the information below refers to UV-C rays.

Are UV rays dangerous?

UV rays are more dangerous for bacteria, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still gives some advice as follows: “Direct exposure of the skin and eyes to radiation from some UV-C lamps can cause eye pain and skin burns. Never look directly at a UV-C light source, even for short periods of time.”

The FDA further notes that UV-C rays can degrade plastics and polymers, but don’t worry, you’ll need hours of continuous exposure for this to happen.

Is UV cell phone sanitizer really effective?

According to PCMag, UV-C rays are quite helpful in eliminating and preventing the spread of bacteria (including E. coli and Salmonella), but UV-powered cell phone sanitizers are commercially available in the market. has a rather poor performance compared to devices used in hospitals.

The FDA says that many UV-C lamps marketed have low doses, so it can take a long time to kill bacteria or viruses.