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“The Power to Disinfect: Defeating Covid-19 in 60 Seconds”

The world is currently grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a lot of information circulating. But did you know that the COVID-19 virus can only survive for a mere minute when exposed to disinfectants? Read on to learn more about this fascinating discovery and its potential implications in the fight against this global health crisis.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that spreads through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets contain the virus and can be inhaled by others, leading to infection. While the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces outside the body for several days, it is quickly destroyed by disinfectant solutions, surviving for only a minute when exposed to such agents.

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1 How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive on surfaces?

The COVID-19 virus can survive outside the body for extended periods, depending on various factors such as humidity, temperature, and the type of surface it comes into contact with. According to research conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States, the COVID-19 virus can survive from 4 hours up to 3 days on different surfaces.

Further studies indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, similar to its cousin SARS, can persist on polypropylene plastic surfaces (commonly used for children’s toys and car interiors) and stainless steel under controlled temperature and humidity conditions of approximately 21-23 degrees Celsius and 65% humidity for up to 3 days.

Additionally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on cardboard surfaces for up to 24 hours, significantly longer than the 8-hour survival of the SARS virus. In contrast, it survives on copper surfaces for only 4 hours, while SARS can persist for 8 hours.

Immunologist Rachel Graham from the University of North Carolina states that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can generally survive on surfaces for a few hours to a few days.

The most contagious surfaces for the virus include door handles and tabletops, while surfaces like money, paper, and fabric may be slightly safer due to their porous structures that can trap the virus. Smartphone screens also have the potential to harbor the virus.

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2 Environmental temperature makes a significant difference

Recent studies indicate that the survival of the SARS-CoV virus is influenced by temperature. A mere 10-degree increase in temperature from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius can reduce the virus’s survival time. This is because the outer layer of the virus, composed of a lipid membrane, dries out in hotter weather, rendering the virus inactive.

Higher temperatures and proper ventilation accelerate the destruction of the virus, whereas cooler temperatures cause the lipid membrane to harden, providing better protection for the virus. This explains why respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV tend to spread more during specific seasons.

3 Virus survives only a minute when disinfected

Authors of a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection note that the coronavirus can be effectively inactivated within 1 minute when surfaces and objects are disinfected with ethanol (62-71%), hydrogen peroxide (0.5%), or sodium hypochlorite (0.1%). However, to completely eradicate the virus from these surfaces, a waiting period of 5-6 minutes is recommended.

According to immunologist Graham, reducing the viral load on surfaces below the transmission threshold is crucial for ensuring safety. To effectively disinfect surfaces, it is recommended to use cleaning agents like Lysol, while hand sanitizers can only reduce the viral load on your hands.

4 The importance of handwashing

Immunologist Graham emphasizes the critical importance of handwashing and refraining from touching your face as the best preventive measures against COVID-19 transmission from surfaces.

Before touching your face, nose, or eyes, ensure that your hands are clean. If someone sneezes or coughs near you, consider washing your hair to prevent potential viral transmission through hair-to-face contact.

In conclusion, understanding the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 disease highlights the significance of disinfectant solutions. Protect your health and that of your loved ones by practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining a balanced diet, among other preventive measures.

Frequently asked questions

The article emphasizes the power of disinfectants in defeating COVID-19. It claims that using disinfectants with specific active ingredients can kill the COVID-19 virus effectively, making it a powerful tool in the fight against the pandemic.

According to the article, disinfectants can be highly effective against COVID-19 when used properly. It mentions that disinfectants with specific active ingredients, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, can kill the virus within 60 seconds of contact, providing a fast and efficient way to disinfect surfaces and protect against the spread of the virus.

The article highlights quaternary ammonium compounds as one of the key active ingredients in effective disinfectants against COVID-19. These compounds are known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and have been proven effective against a wide range of viruses, including coronaviruses.

The article states that disinfectants with the right active ingredients can kill the COVID-19 virus within 60 seconds of contact. This quick action is crucial in breaking the chain of infection and preventing the spread of the virus in various settings, such as homes, offices, and public spaces.

Yes, it is important to use disinfectants safely and follow instructions on the product labels. The article emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation when using disinfectants and recommends wearing gloves and a face mask to protect the skin and respiratory system from potential irritation.