Back to Normal: An Old Physics Route to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Indoor Spaces.
ACS Nano
; 14(7): 7704-7713, 2020 07 28.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1387152
ABSTRACT
We advocate the widespread use of UV-C light as a short-term, easily deployable, and affordable way to limit virus spread in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Radical social distancing with the associated shutdown of schools, restaurants, sport clubs, workplaces, and traveling has been shown to be effective in reducing virus spread, but its economic and social costs are unsustainable in the medium term. Simple measures like frequent handwashing, facial masks, and other physical barriers are being commonly adopted to prevent virus transmission. However, their efficacy may be limited, particularly in shared indoor spaces, where, in addition to airborne transmission, elements with small surface areas such as elevator buttons, door handles, and handrails are frequently used and can also mediate transmission. We argue that additional measures are necessary to reduce virus transmission when people resume attending schools and jobs that require proximity or some degree of physical contact. Among the available alternatives, UV-C light satisfies the requirements of rapid, widespread, and economically viable deployment. Its implementation is only limited by current production capacities, an increase of which requires swift intervention by industry and authorities.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pneumonia, Viral
/
Ventilation
/
Disinfection
/
Coronavirus Infections
/
Disease Transmission, Infectious
/
Air Conditioning
/
Heating
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
ACS Nano
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
ACSNANO.0C04596
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