UV-based mobile device sanitizers booming amid COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 virus can stay on surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days, according to the Journal of Hospital Infection – meaning your smartphone, the object most people touch more times per day than any other, could be a source of risk. But cleaning it by hand is a hassle, and disinfectants may damage the screen.

That's why sanitizers based on ultraviolet (UV) light are proving popular with consumers looking to keep themselves and loved ones safe during the pandemic. You simply put your phone (or other items) inside, turn it on and wait a few minutes for your phone to get clean. Google searches for UV phone sanitizers have grown by more than 5,000% in the last two months, according to Google Trends.

But does it work?

In short, yes. Sourcing professionals should take care to verify the product standards being used, but the science is clear. “The [UV light] kills viruses much the same way that other harmful radiation kills things by causing lots of chemical mutations in the RNA or DNA genome of the virus. There's no question that enough UV-C absorption will kill coronaviruses,” Dr. John Taylor, senior lecturer in Virology School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland told Digital Trendson April 21.

Currently available UV sanitizer products

These UV phone sanitizers are currently among the top 20 mobile electronics products on GlobalSources.com in terms of buyer interest.

UV Sanitizer Wireless Charger

Shenzhen Reno Technology Co.

CE-, ROHS-certified UV Sterilizer

Shenzhen Kingboll Electronic Technology Co.

Portable UV Sterilizer with Fast Wireless Charger

Shenzhen Bifoxs Industrial Design Co.