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Rapid and complete inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by ultraviolet-C irradiation
Nadia Storm1, Lindsay G A McKay1, Sierra N Downs1
1National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, 620 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
Abstract:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has devastated global public health systems and economies, with over 52 million people infected, millions of jobs and businesses lost, and more than 1 million deaths recorded to date. Contact with surfaces contaminated with droplets generated by infected persons through exhaling, talking, coughing and sneezing is a major driver of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with the virus being able to survive on surfaces for extended periods of time. To interrupt these chains of transmission, there is an urgent need for devices that can be deployed to inactivate the virus on both recently and existing contaminated surfaces. Here, we describe the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in both wet and dry format using radiation generated by a commercially available Signify ultraviolet (UV)-C light source at 254 nm. We show that for contaminated surfaces, only seconds of exposure is required for complete inactivation, allowing for easy implementation in decontamination workflows.
Insights
Ultraviolet (UV)-C light effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces within seconds. This rapid decontamination method offers a practical solution for interrupting virus transmission pathways.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to significant global health and economic crises.
- Surface contamination with infectious droplets is a primary route for SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Effective methods are needed to inactivate the virus on contaminated surfaces to prevent further spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of UV-C light in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces.
- To determine the required exposure time for complete viral inactivation.
- To assess the feasibility of UV-C light for decontamination applications.
Main Methods:
- SARS-CoV-2 was applied to surfaces in both wet and dry formats.
- A commercially available Signify UV-C light source emitting at 254 nm was used for irradiation.
- Exposure times were varied to determine the minimum duration for complete inactivation.
Main Results:
- UV-C light effectively inactivated SARS-CoV-2 in both wet and dry states.
- Complete inactivation of the virus on contaminated surfaces was achieved in seconds.
- The findings demonstrate the rapid efficacy of UV-C light for viral decontamination.
Conclusions:
- UV-C light is a highly effective tool for inactivating SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces.
- Short exposure times make UV-C light a practical and implementable solution for decontamination.
- This technology can significantly contribute to interrupting SARS-CoV-2 transmission chains.
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