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Using heat to kill SARS-CoV-2
John P Abraham1, Brian D Plourde1, Lijing Cheng2
1School of Engineering, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.
Reviews in Medical Virology
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Thermal inactivation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is crucial for sterilization. This review outlines temperatures and exposure times needed for inactivation, comparing them to household appliance capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The global coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) necessitates effective sterilization methods for contaminated objects.
- Controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 requires understanding its inactivation parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the thermal inactivation of SARS-CoV-2.
- To provide preliminary guidelines for temperatures and exposure durations for sterilization.
- To compare effective thermal inactivation parameters with the capabilities of common household appliances.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on thermal inactivation of coronaviruses, specifically SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of temperature and time data for viral inactivation.
- Comparison of identified thermal parameters with specifications of household appliances.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific temperature ranges and exposure durations effective for SARS-CoV-2 thermal inactivation.
- Preliminary guidelines for thermal sterilization of SARS-CoV-2 are presented.
- Assessment of the potential of household appliances to achieve these sterilization parameters.
Conclusions:
- Thermal inactivation is a viable method for SARS-CoV-2 sterilization.
- Understanding precise temperature and time requirements is essential for effective decontamination.
- Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of household appliances for SARS-CoV-2 sterilization.
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