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Comment by 1970-01-01 | Hacker News Reader

1970-01-01

Seems like we should add ~222 UV light to many more home appliances. Home water tanks with lower temperatures, dishwashers with water-free sanitization cycles, refrigerators could include a self-cleaning option, etc. If it holds bacteria and shouldn't, use UV to sanitize.

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How about we stop worrying so much about germs unless killing them wholesale is shown to produce a significant increase in health. I am pretty sure bactericides etc. are being pushed by industry for their profit not our wellbeing at all.

Agreed. More sterilization also goes against what we should do per the hygiene hypothesis (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygiene_hypothesis, which states that early childhood exposure to germs is necessary for the development of a healthy immune system), especially around children in non-hospitalization situations.

Killing germs is part of modern daily life. You shower, do dishes, brush your teeth, and wash clothes. It's much, much cheaper to shine a UV light onto a surface for a few minutes compared to using soap and other chemicals. UV toothbrushes and toothbrush cleaners are already sold online.

Me: let's not do <thing> unless we have a reason.

You: We should continue doing <thing> because we already do <thing>

"carry on" is not a reason to do anything. I literally can't understand how you are thinking to post such a non-justification.

Sorry, I don't understand where you are going with this comment. I was explaining how UV can be used to save energy. You're arguing against that?

If you're talking cost then maybe. In the right places such as hospitals, very likely. I'm questioning that we should do that indiscriminately in other places such as in homes. We have highly developed immune systems, let's not risk weakening them. And not doing it costs nothing at all.

GP argues against killing microbes. (With some nuance)

Germs cause disease. I know germ theory is pretty new but its established science.

It is also suspected that germs keep us from being allergic to everything

Germs also cause immunity. You do need exposure (vaccines help, but aren't enough).

I agree that money makers make poor policy for all.

However, if it only helps against only one of a number of airborne concerns - COVID variants, common cold, flu - then people will want it.

If delivery is a specifically tuned LED light bulb away then it might not cost that much either.

It is all too early to tell. But it warrants investigation.

I don't know why you want a significant increase in health. I'd switch over even if it were a mild increase.

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