Do those UV lamps for killing bacteria and virus really work or is it a gimmick?

Question

My wife bought a hand held UV lamp which claims to kill 99.9% of germs.

Answer 1

A germ is not the same as bacterium or viri.

Germs are bigger than bacteria, and bacteria are bigger than viri.  They are not the same.

I would not be surprised if Ultra Violet rays can kill germs.  I do not know about the other two life forms.

Answer 2

Gimmick`

Answer 3

i dont know,,,,,, but just dont shine it on yourself or in your eyes.

seems you can advertize anything today with any kind of claim. Nobody is watching whats going on or protecting the public anymore. Its a free for all.

But if it makes her happy whats the harm.