Scientists support the use of UVC light sources indoors to prevent the spread of new coronavirus

Since this year, experts in the fields of virology, immunology, aerosols, architecture, and physics have studied methods that may prevent the spread of new coronaviruses in indoor spaces. Based on the research results, scientists recommend using UVC light indoors as a short-term, easy-to-develop, and affordable method to suppress the spread of the virus.

According to reports, from the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) in Spain, the University of the Basque Country in Spain, the Technion/Israel Institute of Technology and the University of Southampton in the UK Southampton scientists conducted a study to explore existing UVC light sources, such as fluorescent lamps, microcavity plasmas, LEDs, other alternatives, and unconventional ways of generating UVC light.

Scientists believe that by applying these UVC lights to the ventilation system of buildings and unused public indoor places, it is expected to quickly and effectively inactivate airborne and new crown viruses deposited on the surface.

In addition, scientists also investigate the cost of deploying UVC technology globally. The conclusion is: investing billions of dollars in the world to study UVC light sources can protect about 1 billion workers worldwide.

In indoor public places such as offices and schools, in addition to airborne viruses, viruses can also be transmitted on frequently contacted surface areas such as elevator buttons, door handles, and handrails. Therefore, scientists say that UVC light can reduce the spread of viruses and can meet the rapid, large-scale, and economically feasible deployment needs. At present, its implementation problems are only limited by the existing production capacity.

It is reported that this research has been published in the journal "ACS Nano".