Study Show that Exposure to Far-UVC Light Can Kill 99.9% of Coronaviruses

This study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Irvine Medical Center used far ultraviolet C (UVC), a wavelength safe for humans, to kill more than 99.9% of the coronaviruses found in droplets in the air. The coronavirus is structurally similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the new COVID-19

Lead author David Brenner, Professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Waglos School of Medicine and Surgeon Higgins University, and Director of the Radiology Research Center at Columbia University Irvine Medical Center said: "Based on our research As a result, continuous air-borne disinfection with extreme ultraviolet rays is carried lightly under current regulations and may greatly reduce the level of air-borne viruses in the indoor environment where people live."

The research has been published in the journal "Scientific Reports".

Use extreme ultraviolet light to kill the coronavirus

Currently, viruses can be killed by conventional germicidal UVC light with a wavelength of 254 nm, but this wavelength is not safe for humans. In this study, the researchers studied the use of extreme ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm, which cannot penetrate the outer dead skin layer of the eyes or skin-which means it does not damage human cells. Researchers believe that far ultraviolet light can be used safely in indoor public places to reduce the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19.

In order to study the efficacy of the far-ultraviolet lamp to kill the coronavirus, the researchers used an atomizing device to atomize the two common coronaviruses, and then flow them through the air in front of the far-ultraviolet lamp. Then, they conducted tests to see how many people were still alive and found that 99.9% of the virus had been killed.

Researchers believe that continuous exposure to extreme ultraviolet light will kill 90% of airborne viruses in about eight minutes, 95% in 11 minutes, 99% in about 16 minutes, and 25 minutes. Die 99.9%.

Brenner said: “The far-ultraviolet lamp cannot distinguish the type of coronavirus, so we hope it can kill SARS-CoV-2 in the same way. Because SARS-CoV-2 will pass through the droplets in the air when coughing and sneezing. And aerosols spread in large quantities, so it is very important to have a tool that can safely inactivate the virus in the air (especially when around people).

Because it can be safely used in occupied spaces such as hospitals, buses, airplanes, trains, train stations, schools, restaurants, offices, theaters, stadiums, and any places where people gather indoors, extreme ultraviolet lamps can be used in combination with other measures. For example, wearing masks and washing hands to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.