- Can UV-C effectively inactive the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19?
Yes, if the virus is directly illuminated by UV-C at the effective dosage. - Does the UV in sunlight have germicidal properties?
Yes, in late spring and early summer when the sun is high in the sky and the UV index is high. At a UV index of 10, the durationto achieve at least a 3-log kill of bacteria (99.9%) is estimated as less than one hour. - Can whole-room UV-C effectively inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19?
Yes, upper room UV is the safest and most effective application for UV-C in occupied spaces. In special locations whole-room UV-C from suspended fixtures directing UV-C downward could be applied, provided that strict precautions can be followed, wearing protective clothing and eye protection. - Is UV inside air ducts or air handlers sufficient for room-air disinfection?
UV inside ducts ensures that recirculated air does not have viable pathogens, it does relatively little to prevent person-to-person transmission in a room where a infectious person shares the same air as other people. - Does UV degrade paints, wall material, or hurt plants?
UV rays in general will degrade paint and yellow plastics. Shorter-wavelength UV photons have higher energy potential than longer-wavelength UV photons, and may have an accelerated aging effect on materials and paints, and may damage plants.
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