What is the controversial UVC light that New York will use to disinfect surfaces

12/05/2020 – 19:35 Updated: 05/12/2020 – 23:48

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In full crisis for the pandemic in coronavirus, without a doubt the main fear of a large part of the world’s population is get covid-19. Lack of knowledge about this disease makes us try to take all possible measures, such as confinement, social distancing, the use of masks or gloves. But not only do you have to protect yourself from people, but also of surfaces, where the virus can roam freely.

Regarding its transmission, we know that saliva, sneezing and coughing are the main source of contagion, but we also know that virus can stick to surfaces and that our carelessness and lack of protection can cause the coronavirus to end up reaching our body. For that reason, another of the priorities lies in the disinfection of these spaces.

In this situation, iconic New York City (USA) just announced an extreme measure for this additional cleaning type: the use of UVC light. But, what is it about? Well, neither more nor less than a type of radiation that is capable of breaking the small bacteria genetic material and, with this, create irreversible alterations in molecular structures, which ends up ending them. But beware, it comes with a certain controversy.

Discovered in 1878, it is a type of ultraviolet radiation, in fact, the most harmful that we know. Before the pandemic, it was used as a basic sterilization method in places such as hospitals, airplanes or even in drinking water purifiers, as it is capable of eliminate some parasites resistant to antiseptics. But now, its use will be much greater in elements of daily use for the population, especially public transport.

Indeed, UVC light kills small organisms that are harmful to our health, although there is no clear proof that it can also do so with the coronavirus. It is true that, in previous tests, it was shown to be effective against SARS, so it is believed that it will also do the same with covid-19. But it is a type of radiation with a shorter and more energetic wavelength, which makes more harmful to humans.

Direct exposure to this light can cause sunburn-like skin damage in seconds, and it is especially dangerous if it has direct contact with the eyes. For that reason, it is necessary that its application be carried out by trained personnel who know how to use it, precisely where the main problem can come when having to treat so many surfaces at the same time, as the BBC explains.

A few weeks ago he jumped into the news after the president of the United States, Donald Trump, suggested the possibility of spraying the bodies of patients with covid-19 with this type of light, something that caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to categorically deny the damage it can cause to humans. In fact, experts like those at Columbia University are trying develop a new type of UVC make it less harmful to us.

Despite the fact that New York is going to put its use into practice, it would only be effective if it was applied correctly by experts and, if it was, it would only be complementary to hygiene measures. Or, in other words, it is essential to continue washing hands with disinfectant solutions to avoid contagion of the virus, since UVC light kills the microorganism, but does not clean. Therefore, not getting COVID-19 is still our hands more than ever.

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