As of June 7, 2021, Health Canada has regulated UV-emitting and ozone-producing cleaning devices as they may pose a significant risk to Canadians. Such devices include, but are not limited to, UV wands, devices claiming to sanitize cellphones and toys, and those that emit ultraviolet radiation or generate ozone to disinfect the air or water in enclosed spaces. Previously the devices have not been regulated.
Health Canada says since COVID-19 began there has been an explosion of new devices sold in Canada claiming to control or kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces, water, or the air.
The order does not affect devices that use UV radiation to disinfect swimming pools, hot tubs or wastewater treatment systems. It also exempts devices that meet certain requirements including electrical standards, and has automatic locking and shut-off mechanisms, and Class II, III or IV medical device under the Medical Devices Regulations. Exempt devices also cannot claim to prevent, treat, or mitigate any disease, with claims limited only to “supplemental sanitization.”
Should you have any of these devices in use in your practice, please refer to the Health Canada order or contact:
Policy and Operations Directorate
Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Health Canada
2720 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Email: hc.pmra.regulatory.affairs-affaires.reglementaires.arla.sc@canada.ca
College of Alberta Denturists
405, 10408 124 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T5N 1R5
