Jaipur, 2 July, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created fundamental shifts in consumer behavior and needs. Advanced hygiene standards and minimal contact has become a priority for everyone at home and at work. To cater to this need, Signify, the world leader in lighting, has launched the Philips UV-C Disinfection system and uses the UV-C radiation technology, which has been validated to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Created with state-of-art-technology, the system is easytouse, low maintenance and portable, whichdisinfects frequently touched objects and personal items. As the product has the light source in enclosed space, it takes approximately two to eight minutes for disinfection depending upon the size of the object. Designed and manufactured in India, the new range is another step in the company’ssupport to the government’s call for self-reliance.

Even with its compact design, Philips UV-C Disinfection system can quickly and effectively disinfect objects of daily use in homes, such as fruits and vegetables, packaged food, keys, mobile phones, stationery, laptops, and baby products. The UV-C exposure on fruits and vegetables also extends their shelf-life, keeping them fresh for longer periods. The range comes in three variants of 10 litres, 15 litres and 30 litres capacity, priced at ₹7,990, ₹9,990, and ₹11,990, respectively and would be initially available on leading e-commerce platforms and through select Philips Smart light Hubs.

“Signify partnered with NEIDL at Boston University to come up with the world’s first research to conclusively validate that UV-C light inactivates the virus that causes COVID-19. We have been at the forefront of UV technology for over 35 years and have a proven track record of developing innovative UV-C products which are applicable across sectors like retail, hospitality, work-places, hospitals, food services and transportation. Given the need of the hour, we have leveraged this experience to also create a solution for homes that in addition to being easy to use and affordable,also has a wide range of applications to address the everyday anxieties around disinfection,” said Mr. Sumit Joshi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Signify Innovations India Limited.

Although exposure to UV-C radiation can result in damage to the skin and eyes of both humans and animals, Philips UV-C Disinfection system has been designed to be completely safe for home use. It has a special glass door that blocks and contains all UV-C radiation within the UV-C disinfection system and allows only visible light to pass through it. It also has an inbuilt user safety feature of auto cut-off for the UV-C lamp, if the door is accidently opened.

Ultraviolet technology provides a non-chemical approach to disinfection. UV-C light at a wavelength of 253.7nm has a very powerful germicidal effect. It deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, destroying their ability to multiply and cause infections.The advantage of using light todisinfect objects is that they are effective, efficient, and do not use chemicals. UV-C light can help limit the spread of bacteria and viruses that accumulate on surfaces.