Far-UVC light efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses

Welch, David; Shuryak, Igor; Brenner, David J.

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-25728/v1

Cited by 24 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Use in public locations at the current regulatory exposure limit (∼3 mJ/cm 2 /hour) would result in approximately 90% viral inactivation in 8 minutes and 99.9% inactivation in ∼25 minutes. 82 Therefore, ultraviolet light can be used to disinfect surfaces and equipment after the manual chemical disinfection process is completed to shield against errors in the manual disinfection process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of COVID-19 for Ophthalmologists

Danesh‐Meyer

McGhee

2021

American Journal of Ophthalmology

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Purpose To describe and explain the implications of COVID-19(SARS-CoV-2) for ophthalmologists in light of the rapid developments in our understanding of the virology, transmission and ocular involvement. Design Evidence-based perspective Methods Review and synthesis of pertinent literature Results Retrospective studies highlight that less than 1% of patients display COVID-19 related-conjunctivitis. However, prospective studies suggest the rate is higher, approximately 6%. Viral RNA has been identified in tears and conjunctival secretions in patients with active conjunctivitis as well as asymptomatic cases. Overall, conjunctival swabs are positive in 2.5%. Samples taken earlier in the disease course are more likely to demonstrate positive virus. Viral transmission through ocular tissues has not been substantiated. Ophthalmologists are in the high-risk category for COVID-19 infection for several reasons: high volume clinics, close proximity with patients, equipment intense clinics and direct contact with patients’ conjunctival mucosal surfaces. COVID-19 is predominantly contracted through direct or airborne transmission by inhalation of respiratory droplets. Evidence that aerosol transmission occurs is increasing in particularly prolonged exposure to high concentrations in a relatively closed environment. Based on the current evidence ophthalmologists should consider measures that include social distancing, wearing masks, sterilisation techniques and managing clinic volumes. Conclusions A major challenge to containing COVID-19 is that many infected people are asymptomatic. Droplet spread, contaminated environmental surfaces and shared medical devices are particular areas that require management by ophthalmologists. More studies are required to explore the role of the conjunctiva and ocular tissues in the transmission of disease.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of COVID-19 for Ophthalmologists

Danesh‐Meyer

McGhee

2021

American Journal of Ophthalmology

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“…Looking at the general similarities between the currently spreading SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it can be presumed that UVGI is also effective in deactivating SARS-CoV-2. The problem of deactivating the pathogen by UVC radiation can be also found in many recent publications [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The primary purpose of our research is to develop the device and determine its effectiveness.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection

Kierat

Augustyn

Koper

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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In addition to looking for effective drugs and a vaccine, which are necessary to save and protect human health, it is also important to limit, or at least to slow, the spread of coronavirus. One important element in this action is the use of individual protective devices such as filtering facepiece masks. Currently, masks that use a mechanical filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, are often used. In some countries that do not have a well-developed healthcare system or in exceptional situations, there is a real and pressing need to restore filters for reuse. This article presents technical details for a very simple device for sterilization, including of HEPA polymer filters. The results of biological and microscopic tests confirming the effectiveness of the sterilization performed in the device are presented. The compact and portable design of the device also allows its use to disinfect other small surfaces, for example a small fragment of a floor, table, or bed.

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“…However, exposure to these lamps has been associated with health risks, which mainly involve damage to the eyes and skin [ 81 , 82 ]. Nevertheless, recent evidences suggested that UV-C at 222 nm exhibited germicidal activity [ 83 , 84 , 85 ], but inflicted no damage on the eyes and skin of mice [ 86 , 87 , 88 ]. These data are still preliminary and further research is needed to ascertain the safety of UV light at 222 nm, especially its potential long-term effects on human health.…”

Section: Viral Properties Of Ultraviolet Lightmentioning

confidence: 99%

Control Measures for SARS-CoV-2: A Review on Light-Based Inactivation of Single-Stranded RNA Viruses

et al. 2020

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SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus classified in the family Coronaviridae. In this review, we summarize the literature on light-based (UV, blue, and red lights) sanitization methods for the inactivation of ssRNA viruses in different matrixes (air, liquid, and solid). The rate of inactivation of ssRNA viruses in liquid was higher than in air, whereas inactivation on solid surfaces varied with the type of surface. The efficacy of light-based inactivation was reduced by the presence of absorptive materials. Several technologies can be used to deliver light, including mercury lamp (conventional UV), excimer lamp (UV), pulsed-light, and light-emitting diode (LED). Pulsed-light technologies could inactivate viruses more quickly than conventional UV-C lamps. Large-scale use of germicidal LED is dependent on future improvements in their energy efficiency. Blue light possesses virucidal potential in the presence of exogenous photosensitizers, although femtosecond laser (ultrashort pulses) can be used to circumvent the need for photosensitizers. Red light can be combined with methylene blue for application in medical settings, especially for sanitization of blood products. Future modelling studies are required to establish clearer parameters for assessing susceptibility of viruses to light-based inactivation. There is considerable scope for improvement in the current germicidal light-based technologies and practices.

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Far-UVC light efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses

Cited by 24 publications

References 26 publications

Implications of COVID-19 for Ophthalmologists

Implications of COVID-19 for Ophthalmologists

The Use of UVC Irradiation to Sterilize Filtering Facepiece Masks Limiting Airborne Cross-Infection

Control Measures for SARS-CoV-2: A Review on Light-Based Inactivation of Single-Stranded RNA Viruses

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