Signify launches Philips UV-C disinfection box to easily deactivate viruses on personal objects
- Launches Signify’s UV-C disinfection portfolio in the United States with a new consumer product
- Extends Signify’s UV-C portfolio with its first consumer product in the United States
- The disinfection box’s extra layer of UV-C protection switches off the device automatically when the cover is opened
Somerset, New Jersey – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, is launching the Philips UV-C disinfection box for small objects. The Philips UV-C disinfection box, fitted with Philips’ UV-C light sources, can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) on surfaces by more than 99% to below detectable levels[1], providing an easy and effective way to disinfect items like keys, cell phones, toys and other household items.
Being at the forefront of professional UV-C innovations, Signify has applied its experience in UV-C lighting to develop the Philips UV-C disinfection box for consumers. It uses UV-C technology which has been proven by scientific studies to disinfect, in a couple of minutes[2], against a vast host of viruses, bacteria, germs and mites[3]. Users can place multiple items in the box, close the lid, and their personal belongings will be disinfected. This will help to prevent the contraction or spread of viruses and germs when touching items.
“As the world is still going through this pandemic, we want to leverage our more than 35 years of professional experience with UV-C to provide people the tools to neutralize viruses and bacteria in their homes. Disinfecting our hands is part of our daily routine and therefore we see a need to thoroughly disinfect the personal objects we touch as well,” said Rowena Lee, Division Leader of Digital Products at Signify. “Equipped with Philips’ UV-C lights, the new disinfection box offers people an easy and highly effective solution to inactivate these viruses (including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19).”
Effective and safety-minded design
The Philips UV-C disinfection box contains a reflective stainless-steel interior designed to reach any surface of the object, whichever way they are facing. In laboratory tests, the Philips UV-C light sources with which the disinfection box is equipped, reduced SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infectivity on surfaces by more than 99% to below detectable levels.[4]
As people and animals should not be exposed to UV-C light due to its harm to the eyes and skin, the built-in sensors automatically switch the device off when the cover is opened. This prevents any chance of UV-C light escaping and provides as an extra layer of protection for the user.
Functions and applications
With a width and height of 11 inches, the Philips UV-C disinfection box can be placed on any kitchen table or hallway table. The clear digital display offers an intuitive control with four functions. Besides the disinfect function, the storage function can continuously disinfect objects like toothbrushes or cutlery. Any moisture on personal items can be removed with the dry function. The disinfect+dry combination removes moisture and disinfects objects, like small toys and baby products.
Availability
The Philips UV-C disinfection box is available in the United States from April 12, 2021 onwards, at selected retailers including Amazon, and via www.lighting.philips.com.
For more than 35 years, the company has been at the forefront of professional UV technology, building a track record of innovation in UV-C lighting. Signify is now leveraging this knowledge to address a growing need for the disinfection of surfaces, air and objects.
[1] In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as 9 seconds (Storm et al., 2020, accessible: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-65742/v2). In this study, an exposure to an UV-C irradiance of 0.849 mW/cm2 for the duration of 9 seconds was applied, resulting in an UV-C dose of 7.64 mJ/cm2. Our UV-C surface disinfection products (fitted with our UV-C light sources) will achieve the same level of virus infectivity reduction as long as the same UV-C dose is achieved on each area of surface that is irradiated.
[2] Disinfection effectiveness will vary depending on disinfection time, distance and type of surface/object. See product manual/webpage for details: https://www.usa.lighting.philips.com/consumer/p/disinfection-disinfection-box/046677563851.
[3] Malayeri et al., Fluence (UV Dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Inactivation of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses and Algae, 2016, accessible: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309385062_Fluence_UV_Dose_Required_to_Achieve_Incremental_Log_Inactivation_of_Bacteria_Protozoa_Viruses_and_Algae.
[4] In laboratory testing, Signify’s UV-C light sources reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus infectivity on a surface to below detectable levels in as few as 9 seconds (Storm et al., 2020, accessible here). In this study, an exposure to an UV-C irradiance of 0.849 mW/cm2 for the duration of 9 seconds was applied, resulting in an UV-C dose of 7.64 mJ/cm2. Our UV-C surface disinfection products (fitted with our UV-C light sources) will achieve the same level of virus infectivity reduction as long as the same UV-C dose is achieved on each area of surface that is irradiated.
Contact:
Elco van Groningen
Signify Corporate Communications
