GADGETS :: July 29, 2020
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
I doubt a year ago many people, including myself, would be interested in a portable UVC sterilizer wand to kill invisible bacteria germs. Fast forward to today and we all want one, and Monos has announced the new CleanPod portable and rechargeable UVC LED wand.
So how does it work? I’ll tell you exactly how Monos explains it: “Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has a very short wavelength and very high energy. Wavelengths between 200–300 nm are considered germicidal, as they are strongly absorbed by nucleic acids. UVC light is proven to be highly effective in killing bacteria and other pathogens, by scrambling their DNA or RNA (their genetic code). Once their genetic code is broken, they can no longer function.”
Using it is simple: Make sure the CleanPod’s (8.6-by-1.3-by-1.5-inches) internal 2000 mAh battery is charged with the included USB-C to USB-A charging cord, slide open the safety lock and power button.
Keep the CleanPod pointed and positioned a little over an inch away from the surface you want cleared of bacteria and sweep it back and forth for at least 30 seconds. Since it’s UVC LED, there’s no mercury so it powers up instantly. Pressing the power button again turns it off; a built-in 3 minute timer also shuts it off.
CleanPod claims to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria living on surfaces and of course we all want to know how it works on killing COVID-19 bacteria.
Monos supplied me with this statement concerning the current virus. “We have done rigorous testing for the CleanPod and have documentation proving its effectiveness at scrambling and killing the DNA of 99.9% of common bacteria and common pathogens.
“There have been many tests proving the capability of UVC light to kill a variety of viruses and bacteria and companies are now beginning to test UVC light against the coronavirus, as well. Due to the evolving nature of the virus we cannot guarantee the effects on certain virus strains, but Monos is committed to monitoring ongoing tests and will keep our customers updated on findings as we receive them.”
A downloadable PDF of the CleanPod’s official test report is on the Monos site.
This is not a replacement for social distancing, hand washing or any of the other sanitary habits we all need to be consumed with, but the CleanPod is a nice addition to the list The portability makes the CleanPod great for using it outside your home on keyboards, door knobs, in restaurants, shopping and while traveling.
There are safety instructions including a warning to not use CleanPod on skin or eyes with people or animals since the UVC light is harmful to all of them.
A lanyard and storage bag are included.
Trek Bicycle has launched the Bontrager JetWaveCel bike helmet for kids. It’s the first kids’ helmet to feature WaveCel, a leading technology in the protection against cycling-related head injuries.
Trek’s WaveCel technology goes through a three-step change in material structure to absorb energy and provide protection for heads on impact.
With the technology built into the inside of the helmet, the way it works as described by Trek, the cells flex to produce initial frictional forces, then the cells crumble like a car bumper on impact. Then the WaveCel glides to redirect energy away from your head.
The helmet has a cool-looking skater-inspired design with Fidlock magnetic buckle for quickly, easy and safe on and off. Inside is thick helmet pads, which can be easily removed for cleaning and then reinstalled.
Two sizes of the Jet are available, child (48-52cm) and youth (50-55cm), both have a Dialed Fit System on the lower back of the helmet to adjust it for a comfortable and secure fit.
Each helmet comes with a crash replacement guarantee to provide a free helmet replacement if it’s involved in a crash within the first year of ownership.
A sticker pack for kid-friendly customization is also included.
www.trekbikes.com $100
