By now, we’re all more than familiar with the protective procedures for Covid-19. Masks, sanitizing, social distancing, elbow taps instead of handshakes, and the list goes on and on.
These preventative measures feel like second nature after this long, and we’ve all had to change our habits during this challenging period.
However, many people don’t know about the effectiveness of UV light in the inactivation of viruses, including Covid-19.
In this article, we’ll be looking at UV light and its potential in assisting with our ongoing battle with Covid-19.
The Protective Power of UV Light
UV light is a potent disinfectant, and people have been leveraging its power since the beginning of the 20th century.
UV light can effectively destroy bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and spores. It is used in medical facilities, homes, and workplaces to ensure clean air, water, and surfaces.
UVC, a short-wave form of UV light, is particularly effective in disinfecting and destroying germs, bacteria, and viruses.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses UVC light to inactivate microorganisms. It destroys nucleic acids and DNA, which affects their ability to perform vital cellular functions.
UVC Radiation and Coronaviruses
UVC radiation is a known disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces and has effectively been used to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.
A few years back, it was also shown to do something extraordinary – Destroy the outer protein coating of the SARS-Coronavirus. This destruction of the outer layer leads to the virus becoming inactive.
Lately, more and more tests are being done to determine if UVC radiation might also be effective in doing the same to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19.
There are some highly positive results, and it certainly does look likely that UVC radiation can fight against Covid-19 in theory.
Limitations
While the effectiveness of UVC radiation in inactivating viruses like Covid-19 seems a certainty, there are a couple of limitations that must be mentioned as a disclaimer:
Direct Exposure Works Best
There must be direct exposure to UVC radiation to inactivate a virus completely. UVC light purification systems that purify the air using UVC technology will work well here, but surface contaminants such as dust, soil, and fluids might interfere with the direct contact.
Dosage, Length, and Duration
Many UVC products for home use do not have a substantial enough dosage, wavelength, or duration to inactivate viruses and bacteria effectively.
However, UVC air purification systems offer a solution that creates purified air, free of viruses and other contaminants. Quite a bit of research still needs to be verified and undertaken to confirm the wavelengths, duration, and strength of UVC light needed to inactivate Covid-19. Since Covid-19 is airborne, these purification systems can go a long way in creating clean, pure, bacteria and virus-free air in your home!
One thing’s for sure, though, that products like UVC air purification will undoubtedly help clear the air you breathe of viruses, bacteria, and other damaging pollutants that cause a host of illnesses and symptoms!