We’ve been alerted by the Office for Product Safety and Standards about the potential risk associated with the sale of handheld UV sterilising wands being sold online and by independent sellers.
The wands being sold claim the use of UV light will disinfect and kill germs, viruses and bacteria.
Please be aware that the claims made by the sellers of these wands are not scientifically tested and there’s very limited research in the UK about them.
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They certainly shouldn’t be used during the current COVID-19 situation as a disinfectant as some sellers are suggesting in their advertising and relying on them to kill the virus on household surfaces etc., could be dangerous.
Work is being undertaken to asses the risks posed by the devices but for now please do not be tempted to buy them.
Lawrence Isted, Chief Officer for Planning and Regulatory, said: “Please don’t be misled by potentially false advertising. These devices are expensive and their effectiveness is simply not known. Normal household disinfectant should be used in your home and hand-washing for 20 seconds with soap and water remains the best advice for hygiene purposes.”
If you have any information relating to the sale of these wands please let The Office for Product Safety and Standards know via OPPS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk quoting ref IU0098.
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