THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday warned the public anew on the use of ultraviolet
(UV) light following an incident over the weekend where at least eight media workers suffered eye injury following exposure to a UV light disinfection robot in an impromptu demonstration in Baguio City.
In an online media forum, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that there is not enough evidence yet to prove that the UV devices can effectively eliminate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
Vergeire reiterated that under severe exposure, exposure may damage the cornea.
“Maaaring makasunog din ng balat. May effect din siya sa respiratory system sa matagalang paggamit [It may burn the skin. There is also an effect to the respiratory system if used for a long time],” Vergeire added.
On Saturday, the Robotic Activations held a demonstration of its UV-C disinfection robot at the Baguio Convention Center which was attended by the National Task Force CODE team.
Among the journalists on coverage at the Baguio Convention Center when a Danish robotics firm conducted a demo of its machine at the lobby was CNN Philippines correspondent David Santos.
Interviewed by chief correspondent Pia Hontiveros, Santos said he and his cameraman had to seek treatment in a Baguio hospital after experiencing a reddening of the eye, accompanied by irritation and vision impairment. The ophthalmologist on duty told them the injury could heal in three to four days, but also warned them that in certain cases, victims of UV exposure could develop cataract.
Meanwhile, BusinessMirror tried to reach Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong but he was still in a meeting as of press time.
Magalong was said to be planning to purchase the robot to fight Covid-19.
Exposing materials to sunlight
Aware of the possible harm of UV lights, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that they will be exposing educational materials like modules to the sunlight for disinfection.
Although the DepEd admitted that some schools are using UV lights to disinfect materials for distribution, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones assured the public they will take precations to ensure the safety of personnel.
Briones noted that DepEd has thus far not yet recorded any incident where a personnel or teacher contracted Covid-19 because of the modules that will be distributed to students.