A new study shows that exposure to extreme ultraviolet light can kill 99.9% of coronaviruses.
The 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 Physics of Radiobiology 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: “According to our According to the results of the study, continuous air-borne disinfection with extreme ultraviolet light may greatly reduce the level of air-borne viruses in the indoor environment where people live under current regulations.”
The research has been published in the journal “Scientific Reports”.

Use extreme far-UVC 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 extreme ultraviolet light in killing coronaviruses, the researchers used an atomizing device to atomize two common coronaviruses, and then flow them through the air in front of the extreme ultraviolet light. Then they conducted tests to see how many people were still alive-found that 99.9% of the virus was killed by very low exposure.
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: “Ultraviolet light cannot distinguish coronaviruses, so we hope it can kill SARS-CoV-2 in the same way. Because SARS-CoV-2 is largely coughed and sprayed into the air. It is spread by droplets and aerosols, so it is very important to have a tool that can spread the virus in the air, especially when it is 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, it is possible to combine the use of far-ultraviolet lamps and other measures. For example, wearing masks and washing hands to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.”
Leave A Comment