Jul 13, 2020 19:00:00

Can ultraviolet rays destroy the new coronavirus?

The method of disinfection and sterilization by ultraviolet rays has been used for a long time, but it is also attracting attention as a countermeasure against new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, in order to kill the virus, it is not simply 'irradiating with ultraviolet rays', but if it is used incorrectly, it will have the opposite effect.

Does UV light kill the new coronavirus? | Live Science

https://www.livescience.com/uv-light-kill-coronavirus.html

Ultraviolet rays can be divided into three types, UVA, UVB, and UVC, depending on the wavelength. UVA is mainly contained in sunlight and passes through the ozone layer to reach the ground, and most of UVB and UVC are absorbed by the ozone layer. In particular, UVC has a short wavelength and high energy. Has been used for.

To date, UVC has been shown to be effective against other coronaviruses such as H1N1 subtype influenza and MERS/SARS . Some studies have also shown that UVC destroys SARS-CoV-2.

Although not yet peer-reviewed, a paper published on June 26, 2020,

proposed the use of UVC as a method of disinfecting N95 masks. According to the paper, sufficient irradiation of UVC with a wavelength of 254 nm destroys DNA and RNA of living organisms. Indermeet Kori, who works at Henry Ford Hospital, says that the method of destroying the virus by UVC is relatively inexpensive, and because of its non-contact nature, it is attracting attention as a countermeasure against infection.

However, UVC, which damages DNA, is dangerous when exposed to human skin and eyes, so care must be taken when handling it. For this reason, Mr. Kori believes that the introduction of UVC technology for sterilization and disinfection should be carried out first at medical institutions and safety and efficiency should be evaluated by experts from the viewpoint of photomedicine and photobiology. ..

In addition, the dose of UVC is important to exert the effect. It is difficult to control UVC-254, which is important for killing SARS-CoV-2, and it is impossible with a home device. Therefore, if you have the idea that 'UVC can kill SARS-CoV-2', you can irradiate the object with UVC using a device that does not have sufficient functions, even though you can not actually kill the virus , There is a danger of believing that 'this is safe' and handling the object.

Medical institutions are beginning to work towards a method of sterilizing and disinfecting personal protective equipment (PPE) using UVC. Another study also discusses how to irradiate UVC from the ceiling of a facility to kill viruses in the air, and how to use 222 nm UVC that does not damage human eyes and skin, and future development. Is the place to wait.