What Are the Dangers of UV Scanners?

UV scanners are handheld items that emit an ultraviolet, or UV, light for the purposes of purifying an area and killing germs. These gadgets often resemble something out of science fiction, folding out and lighting up to purify an area of microorganisms. These UV scanners, however, may pose dangers to some people.

Ozone

• Nano UV scanners operate on a wavelength that's different from typical UV purification units. The wavelength that these nano UV scanners operate at causes the formation of ozone throughout the purification process. Ozone is a powerful cleansing agent, but it is also dangerous for people with sensitive skin and lungs that don't operate at a full capacity. In those cases, the ozone that's created in the 10 seconds of scanning might be an even bigger trouble than the microbes the scanner is killing.

UV exposure

• While there isn't a great deal of UV exposure from a handheld scanner (certainly nowhere near as much as you get just from going out into the sun), a sensitive area of your body--your eyes--is exposed while you're scanning. A person's eyes are vulnerable when exposed to UV rays. When you use this handheld scanner, you're basically watching it to make sure you get the right spots. If you only use it occasionally, well and dandy, but real germaphobes, or people with a real fear of germs, may be staring right into a UV lamp several dozen times a day.

Mercury Hazard

• Mercury is a heavy metal that, if it gets into the human body, can cause illness or death. The lamp of the UV scanner (especially the larger, kitchen intended scanners) contains mercury. Under normal circumstances, the metal is a helpful part of the process. If the scanner leaks or drips, though, it can cause a severe risk to those handling it. This is more true if the mercury gets into a cut or wound on the hand, directly infecting the bloodstream.