UV-C Light Completely Blocks Aerosol Transmission of Highly Contagious SARS-CoV-2 Variants WA1 and Delta in Hamsters.
Environ Sci Technol
; 56(17): 12424-12430, 2022 09 06.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36001075
ABSTRACT
Behavioral and medical control measures have not been effective in containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in large part due to the unwillingness of populations to adhere to "best practices". Ultraviolet light with wavelengths of between 200 and 280 nm (UV-C) and, in particular, germicidal ultraviolet light, which refers to wavelengths around 254 nm, have the potential to unobtrusively reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in enclosed spaces. We investigated the effectiveness of a strategy using UV-C light to prevent airborne transmission of the virus in a hamster model. Treatment of environmental air with 254 nm UV-C light prevented transmission of SARS-CoV-2 between individuals in a model using highly susceptible Syrian golden hamsters. The prevention of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a natural system by treating elements of the surrounding environment is one more weapon in the arsenal to combat COVID. The results presented indicate that coupling mitigation strategies utilizing UV-C light, along with current methods to reduce transmission risk, have the potential to allow a return to normal indoor activities.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Guideline
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Environ Sci Technol
Year:
2022
Type:
Article