SGS, the world’s leading testing and
certification service provider, offers a range of solutions to help
manufacturers produce safe, reliable and compliant cell phone sterilizers.
Utilizing its global network of testing
laboratories and in-depth regulatory and industry knowhow, SGS can help
manufacturers and suppliers of cell phone sterilizers successfully access
markets all over the globe. Relevant testing solutions for UV-C light
sterilizers include:
- UL 1431 – product safety
- IEC/EN
60335-2-65 – UV emissions - ISO
21702 – antiviral capabilities of plastics and non-porous surfaces
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SGS can also assist with UV-C permissible human exposure,
anti-bacterial capabilities, bacterial elimination ratio by UV, and the UV
bacteriophage test.
Studies have shown the average cell phone harbors nearly 20,000 bacteria
and viruses, more than a public toilet. Cell phones travel everywhere with us,
which means they can also come into contact with SARS-CoV-2, the virus
that spreads COVID-19.
With the global COVID-19 pandemic reinforcing
in the minds of consumers the importance of maintaining hygiene standards, the
potential for pathogens to be spread via cell phone has meant many consumers
are now looking for ways to clean and sanitize their devices. The advice circulated
by governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us to wash our
hands and avoid touching our faces but cell phones cannot, generally, be washed
with soap and water and yet they regularly come into contact with our faces.
One possible
solution for sterilizing is using UV-C light – the short-wave form of UV
electromagnetic radiation, found between visible light and X-rays. It has a
wavelength between 100 and 280 nanometer (nm), although commercially available
UV-C lights operate between 200 and 280 nm.
It is UV
radiation that causes sunburn and the same action that damages our skin will
also kill germs by stopping them reproducing. Technically, since viruses are
not living organisms, UV-C does not ‘kill’ them, instead it ‘inactivates’ them.
As living organisms, bacteria are killed by UV-C light.
One key
advantage of using UV light to sterilize products is that, while it is acknowledged
to kill or inactive up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, it does not allow for
them to become resistant. A second advantage is that immediately after a
product is treated it can be used safely. Finally, these UV-C light bulbs can
easily be fitted into portable devices, such as a secure box into which a cell
phone can be placed and then exposed to UV-C light.
It should be
noted this form of sterilization works best on flat surfaces and it will not penetrate
gaps within the cell phone. To work effectively, surfaces should be cleaned
before the application of the UV-C light, since UV-C light penetration is only
superficial.
It should
also be remembered that, as with the sunburn caused by staying out in the sun
too long, if UV-C light is used incorrectly, it can have a carcinogenic effect.
In the US,
these products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There is no requirement for registration at the federal level, although
some states do require registration but not proof of efficacy. It is therefore
up to the manufacturer to prove efficacy. If a product fails to be effective,
it is the manufacturer or brand that will suffer damage to their reputation.
UV
sterilizers are just one of the many cell phone accessories that are becoming
big business around the world. In the US alone, the market for cell phone
accessories was around USD 28.53 billion in 2018 and it is predicted to rise to
USD 74.43 billion by 2026.
SGS
Luminaires Service
Utilizing a global
network of electrical and electronic testing laboratories, backed by
industry-leading regulatory knowledge, SGS offers a one-stop solution to help
manufacturers successfully bring cell phone sterilizing products to their
target markets. Learn more about SGS Luminaires Service.
For more
information, please contact:
Anson
Luo
Laboratory
Manager
CRS-EEC-Lab
Central
Robin
Lu
PF line
manager
CRS-EEC-Safety
traditional
Victor
Guo
PF R&D
manager
CRS-EEC-Safety
traditional
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/ee
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
ABOUT SGS
SGS is the
world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company.
SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more
than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and
laboratories around the world.