Abstract: This disclosure relates to a handheld disinfection device. The device may be used to disinfect various items and/or surfaces in home, workplace, and travel settings, as examples. The disclosed device includes a UV light source and further includes one or more protective features configured to protect the UV light source. As examples, the disclosed device may include a grille and/or a retractable shade configured to protect the UV light source. The disclosed device may also incorporate one or more safety features configured to reduce accidental exposure of a user's eyes to the UV light source, one of which is a proximity feature preventing the UV light source from activating when the device is too far from an object of disinfection. These and other benefits will be appreciated from the following description.