What's True Confidence?

Yes. In fact, the COVID-19 pathogen is particularly vulnerable to UV-C irradiation since it does not form colonies and is spread through tiny droplets of body fluid (aerosols). UV-C light penetrates these aerosols, destroying the DNA and RNA of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, as well as other germs and microorganisms, are suspended in tiny droplets of human bodily fluid, called aerosols. These aerosols are dispersed into the air, spreading infectious diseases from one person to another through breathing and contact with the skin. Bigger droplets fall to ground – typically within 1,5m but aerosols stay airborne for very long times. UV-C air purification works by drawing contaminated air inside a closed box and exposing it to contained UV-C radiation, neutralizing up to 99.9% of microorganisms and viruses.

Germs in water can also be treated with UV-C in the same way as germs in air. This technology has been used for many years and is particularly popular for drinking water because, unlike chlorine, for example, it leaves no taste behind. As with air, the irradiation is carried out in closed reaction chambers.

UV-C light is an effective method for destroying viruses, bacteria, germs and other microorganisms on surfaces. Its efficacy is determined by the distance from the source, the amount of radiation, and the duration of exposure. Since UV-C requires direct exposure, it may be necessary to move the light source to reach shadowed areas when disinfecting surfaces that are not flat and smooth. Surface disinfection products with open light fixtures must be used with caution, taking care to avoid exposure to humans, animals and plants at all times.

OSRAM products with closed (or hidden) fixtures are suitable for use around people, pets, and plants as they release virtually no UV-C radiation. The slight blue glow that is sometimes visible is not UV-C but rather a small amount of visible light generated by the low-pressure discharge. This blue light is not harmful and merely indicates activity.

OSRAM open light fixtures products must be used in accordance with strict safety guidelines, which vary by fixture type. The fixtures emitting UV-C radiation throughout a room should never be turned on while people are present.

In most cases, glass walls and windows block UV-C, providing adequate protection for people. However, companies must test for light leakage when installing fixtures.

The number of UV-C products on the market has risen sharply in the wake of the global pandemic. Unfortunately, many of these products are unregulated, ineffective and potentially dangerous due to low quality manufacturing. For your safety, always purchase from a well-known and trusted manufacturer. Closed fixture products should be encapsulated with no emission of UV-C radiation or ozone (OSRAM products are ozone free) and training must be provided for open fixture products, especially those for surface disinfection.

While there are product safety regulations in Europe, manufacturers are not yet required to prove that their product is effective. To avoid fake and defective products, opt for products from well-known manufacturers or look for proof of efficacy from independent test institutes for the product in question.

Manufacturers are responsible for monitoring the safety of their products in cooperation with independent test laboratories (notified body, e.g. VDE, SGS). All UV-C products produced by OSRAM meet the European safety standards.

• OZONE generated by UV-C has a particular smell. However, all OSRAM products are tested and verified 100% OZONE-free.
• Small residuals on the inner surfaces decompose and burn up, giving off a smell. This is a common occurrence when using appliances that heat up for the first time, such toasters. The odour only lasts few a few minutes and can be removed with ventilation from an open window.