Belgium withdraws proposed ban on UV-C lamps

Introduction

We have learned from our sources within the Belgian government that Belgium has withdrawn its draft Royal Decree planning banning the placing on the market and use of UV-C lamps for disinfection purposes in non-hospital settings in the context of the fight against Covid-19.

As soon as more published information is available, we wil adjust this post. 

Summary

Original draft legislation

The Belgian government has published a draft Royal Decree planning banning the placing on the market and use of UV-C lamps for disinfection purposes in non-hospital settings in the context of the fight against Covid-19. 

According to the belgian authorities, the ban is justified because:

• The effects of UV-C can increase the risk of cancer and eye damage, they are not recommended for use in human presence (WHO, 2019); 
• In relation to the safety of UV-C use, the possibilities of generalised use in public places are limited because conventional UV-C light sources constitute a risk of both skin cancer and eye damage (WHO, 2019).

The draft decree has been reported to the European Commission with number 2020/0303/B (link).

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