Why in news?
Scientists have developed a UVC based disinfection trolley to fight against COVID-19 by rapid cleaning of hospital environment.
How does UV help and how is it better?
- UV light in the range of wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm is capable of inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thus disinfecting both air and solid surfaces.
- Often, chemical disinfectants are not enough to remove the bacteria and viruses found in hospitals and other contamination prone environment.
- Rapid decontamination of the used patient-care beds and hospital rooms before admission of subsequent occupants is a major requirement in hospitals in view of the limited availability of beds.
- Coronavirus is sensitive to UVC light, as in the case of other viruses and bacteria.
- The germicidal effects of UVC irradiation with a peak intensity at 254 nm results in cellular damage of the virus, thereby inhibiting cellular replication.
- Unlike chemical approaches to disinfection, UV light provides rapid, effective inactivation of microorganisms through a physical process.
