Find the technology to fly Covid-19, the vaccine is no longer needed?

Ultraviolet light called Far-UVC may open a new chapter in the prevention of airborne pathogens in our homes.

In the past, the bactericidal properties of ultraviolet C (UVC) rays have been known for decades, but due to many disadvantages such as the potential for sunburn, skin cancer and eye damage, the radiation has As a result, UVC is almost exclusively limited to the sterilization of medical devices.

This technology can be seen as a new way to limit the spread of Covid-19.

However, new research on shorter-wavelength UVC emitters (aka Far-UVC lamps) shows that this subset of the UVC spectrum poses no danger to mouse or human skin cells, in while retaining the ability to kill airborne pathogens.

The technology could be seen as a new way to limit the spread of Covid-19 without requiring significant changes in behavior in society, including compliance with washing, the researchers say. Sanitize hands, keep a distance when communicating, wear a mask or even vaccinate.

To see if the technology would be equally effective in a normal-sized room, the scientists installed five Far-UVC lamps in a controlled biogas chamber measuring about 4 x 3 meter, and inject a stream of aerosolized Staphylococcus aureus bacteria into the room.

According to the team, Far-UVC lamps reduce the pathogen load by up to 98.4% in minutes and maintain a reduction of 92% - a level that is in line with the standards of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. ICNIRP) on sterile media.

Far-UVC ultraviolet light shows impressive antiviral effects.

Far-UVC can rapidly reduce the number of active bacteria in the air to almost zero, helping this environment, says David Brenner, a biophysicist from Columbia University Medical Center. is sterile.

Interestingly, installing a Far-UVC lighting system in a home can be as easy as replacing a regular bulb, but the effectiveness of antibacterial radiation is impressive.

"Far-UVC lamps are very simple to install and inexpensive," says Brenner. "Evidence from multiple studies suggests that this may be a safe way to prevent infection with any virus, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, as well as influenza and any other disease. any potential pandemic virus in the future".

Kenneth Wood, a physicist from the University of St Andrews, says the tests have produced spectacular results, far beyond what was expected and are fully applicable on a large scale.

Even so, the researchers admit there are hurdles to overcome before moving to real-world Far-UVC applications, particularly in ensuring and maintaining correct radiation exposure within limits. safe.