OTTAWA – Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu wants to regulate the release of cleaning gadgets that emit ultraviolet rays or ozone. According to her, these products are dangerous for Canadians and, contrary to what the manufacturers claim, they are not effective in killing viruses like the one that causes COVID-19.
Patty Hajdu signed an interim order on Monday that forces manufacturers of ultraviolet radiation devices and ozone generators – like UV wands and UV disinfectants for cell phones – to obtain approval from Health Canada , under the terms of the Pest Control Products Act.
Until now, this type of device was not subject to any regulation.
However, Health Canada points out that with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the appearance of a host of new gadgets sold in the country with the claim of controlling or killing bacteria and viruses on all kinds of surfaces or even in air and water.
We are talking about devices that would have disinfectant effects on phones or toys, for example, and others that emit UV rays or ozone to disinfect the ambient air or a body of water in a closed space. .
Health Canada issued a warning about this type of product last fall and continues to say that there is no evidence that these devices work. The ministry warns that prolonged exposure to UV rays or exposure to a high level of radiation can cause serious eye problems, deep skin burns and skin cancer.
“To date, Health Canada has not yet received sufficient evidence to demonstrate that these products can be used safely or that they work as claimed,” read an explanatory note published Monday by the government.
“Health Canada advises Canadians to stop using UV lamps and wands that claim to disinfect and kill the virus that causes COVID-19, especially if the device is intended for use on the skin,” it adds.
The Order does not apply to UV ray devices used to disinfect swimming pools, spas or wastewater treatment systems.
Other devices may also be exempt from certification, such as those that are certified to meet “Canadian electrical safety requirements” and have “the ultraviolet lamp fully shielded or enclosed” to prevent the user from entering. be exposed to radiation.
The claims displayed on these devices will also be framed and will have to be limited to “claims of additional sanitation”.
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