Simulated Sunlight Kills COVID-19 on Surface In 7 To 14 Minutes

Sep, 2020 - By SMI

This is the first research that suggests that simulated sunlight may kill the novel coronavirus present on surfaces.

The research team from the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center has found that simulated sunlight may kill the novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. The virus is responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic. The research was published in the Infectious Diseases journal. The novel coronaviruses have made its way to every corner of the world and have taken thousands of lives across the globe. However, the virus is highly contagious, and much research has shown that its persistence on surfaces. This is the first research that suggests that simulated sunlight may kill the novel coronavirus present on surfaces.

Moreover, the research offers a difference in persistence on surfaces such as outdoors and indoors. During this research, the researchers tested the virus at 37°C and under 5% carbon dioxide. The virus was SARS-CoV-2 USA-WA1/2020 that was obtained from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inactive SARS-CoV-2 exposed to sunlight was suspended in either culture media or simulated saliva and dried in a controlled chamber with a quartz window. The team used power supply and filters to control the sunlight intensity. They tried 3 different light intensities.

The team noted that virtual sunlight can quickly inactivate the novel coronavirus on stainless steel. Around 90% of the transmissible virus inactivated in 14.3 minutes in a culture media and only 6.8 minutes in saliva solution. The team said that similar inactivity was also observed at a slower rate when sunlight levels were low. Few studies that show that UVC light may kill the coronaviruses. However, this research is the first to prove that simulated sunlight can effectively inactivate the novel coronavirus on surfaces, especially on stainless steel coupons. Moreover, the results show that natural sunlight may effectively disinfect contaminated non-porous materials.