Researchers say ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes can kill novel coronavirus efficiently
NY:
Ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) can kill the new coronavirus efficiently, quickly and inexpensively, according to a study that says the new innovation could be installed in air conditioning and water systems.
The research, published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, evaluated the disinfection efficiency of UV-LED irradiation at different wavelengths in a virus from the coronavirus family, which includes the causative SARS-CoV-2 of COVID-19.
“The whole world is looking for effective solutions to disinfect the coronavirus,” said Hadas Mamane, co-author of the study from the American Friends of Tel Aviv University in the United States.
To disinfect a bus, train, sports hall or plane using chemical spraying, the scientists said it takes physical labor along with time for the chemicals to act on the surface.
“However, disinfection systems based on LED bulbs can be installed in the ventilation system and air conditioning, for example, and sterilize the air sucked in and then emitted into the room,” Ms Mamane said.
“We found that it is quite simple to kill the coronavirus using LED bulbs that radiate ultraviolet light. We kill the viruses using cheaper and more affordable LED bulbs that consume little energy and do not contain mercury like normal bulbs,” he added.
Scientists believe the research has commercial and social implications, given the widespread use of such LED bulbs.
With the necessary adjustments, they said the bulbs can be installed in air conditioning, vacuum and water systems, and thus can efficiently disinfect large surfaces and spaces.
The researchers said the system must be designed so that a person is not directly exposed to light, adding that it is very dangerous to use UV-LED to disinfect surfaces inside houses.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
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