I'm surprised not to hear more about use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to help us disinfect surfaces, including but not limited to human skin, to help nullify the 2019 novel coronavirus. UV radiation is a relatively well-established, broadly effective, inexpensive, and easily implemented and applied disinfectant. Importantly, UV radiation is not "single-use" personal protective equipment (PPE; as if single-use was still in practice), and therefore reduces supply chain problems. Yes, it has limitations and risks, but both may be mitigated with thoughtful application.
I'm not an infectious disease subject matter expert, which is part of my point. Why am I the one to raise this question? If it's uninformed, please ignore the question and excuse my ignorance.
Thanks for considering,
Don Watenpaugh
There are already devices on the market using UVC (~ 253nm) to sterilise hospital theatres etc. Its not all positive however as if used incorrectly they can produce radiation well in excess of ICNIRP exposure limit values which can harm an individual unwittingly in close proximity to one of these devices. Thankfully many devices have interlocks and controls to minimise this hazard these days though but safety training is essential and often overlooked. There are also issues with respect to effectiveness in shaded areas and the long term degradation of some plastics following repeated exposure. Often used in conjunction with other methods in the medical sector and not a sole solution. Hope this is of interest!
https://www.kurabo.co.jp/bio/English/product/products.php?M=D&PID=111
I think we have to take care with it. UVC is light and it is dangerous. The desinfection has to be total and many parts of the objects do not receive the light. We research with a combination of UV light with less power and another systems together .
Article Use of product labels to investigate the treatment of Covid-...
I am not sure about UV light. However I explored the other recent suggestion that ingestion of disinfectants may be beneficial to treat patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. DO NOT DO THIS. IT IS HARMFUL TO HUMAN HEALTH.
The above article may be of interest and provide some light relief.
