Many consumers are considering using UV sanitizing wands and boxes to help eliminate the deadly coronavirus. We know that UV light causes radiation damage to our skin, resulting in what's commonly called a sunburn.

But science says the same UV light, in particular UVC light, which has a wavelength of between 200 and 280 nanometers, can also kill off germs in a matter of minutes. According to Forbes, a good UV light sanitizing device can sanitize surfaces like desktops, door handles, sinks, toilets and even your phone.

But will it kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19? According to the experts at ConsumerLab.com, the answer is yes. But they also warn that using the UV light wands and boxes on the market can be harmful to your health if not used carefully and with the adequate strength.

"The big challenge with using UVC light is being sure your UV lamp provides a large enough dose of UVC light to all the surfaces you need to disinfect, such as a mask, phone, or an entire room, and that you are not exposed to the UVC light, as it is dangerous," says ConsumerLab.

They've compiled a list of recommended products available to consumers, adding that the UVC boxes are safer than the disinfecting wands because the light is contained in an enclosure. Here are some examples:

• GermAway UV 18-Watt Handheld UVC Surface Sterilizer. At $119.99 it is "one of the more powerful products sold to consumers," says ConsumerLab.com, and has the correct wavelength range for killing the coronavirus.
• PhoneSoap 3 Smartphone UV Sanitizers. PhoneSoap sells small boxes for $79.95 to sanitize smart phones and other small objects. Their products also have the correct UVC wavelength to kill the virus.

For more information on other recommended products, visit ConsumerLab.com.