Dutch football club to install UV-C lighting to combat Covid-19, despite warnings

A Dutch football club has become one of the first to request the installation of UV-C lighting to combat Covid-19, although some experts continue to warn against their use. 

PSV, one of the best known football teams from the Netherlands, has opted to install Signify’s UV-C lighting solution in various areas around its stadium. It noted that the decision was made to ensure the safety of players in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In total, Signify will install 15 Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires. Three of those in the dressing room of its own team and three in the dressing room of the visiting team in the Philips stadium. Another five will be installed in the dressing room at PSV Campus De Herdgang and four in the medical section at this training facility.

There’s no denying that UV-C lighting is effective against Covid-19, Signify has teamed up with Boston University to prove its effectiveness. The latest research out of Japan and Columbia University in the United States also proved that not only could it combat Covid-19, but it could be safe for humans. 

However, despite this research, many organisations around the world continue to warn against the use of UV-C lighting. The Lighting Industry Association has noted that UV-C lighting should only be used by professionals, although Signify maintains that its lighting installation at PSV’s Philips stadium is safe. 

The company noted that, “The UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires can be used with people present. They continuously disinfect the air that flows through the upper areas of the dressing rooms thanks to natural convection, or air circulation. This also ensures that the disinfected air flows back to the lower part of the dressing rooms and mixes with the air. Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires are equipped with shielding and optics to prevent exposure to UV-C radiation, so players can get changed without any concern.”

The company did add that, “UV-C light should always be used by professionals in accordance with the safety requirements and instructions to avoid humans and animals from being exposed to it since it can damage their skin and eyes,” however.

“Safeguarding player health is very important to us and essential for matches to continue. That is why we want to protect them, and the visiting players, to the best of our ability,” said Frans Janssen, commercial director at PSV. 

“We are convinced that the Philips UV-C disinfection upper air lighting enables us to provide our players with that extra layer of protection.”

The installation of the UV-C disinfecting lighting will take place in November.