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UV CoronaVirus 071220
UV CoronaVirus 071220
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More than 200 scientists recently sent a letter to the WHO suggesting a few
ways to limit this kind of airborne transmission: In addition to improving
ventilation and reducing crowds in indoor spaces, the scientists also proposed
using ultraviolet light to remove virus particles from the air.
UV light is already used to kill viruses, including human coronaviruses, in
hospitals and laboratories. But not all UV light is the same, and the kind that's
best at killing coronaviruses is also the most dangerous for people. So
Researchers at Columbia University came up with a way to harness this light
without allowing it penetrate skin cells.
"We do, I think, have a potentially new and powerful weapon in our fight against
this terrible virus," Dr. David Brenner, who is spearheading the research, said at
the TED 2020 Conference on Tuesday.
Brenner's research, published in the journal Nature in June, suggests that 25
minutes of continuous exposure to his modified version of UV light could
eradicate 99.9% of human coronaviruses in indoor environments. The novel
coronavirus should be no exception to this rule, he said.
Based on Brenner's findings, New York City recently unveiled a pilot program
that uses UV lamps to sanitize subways and buses.