As the
world is still struggling to combat coronavirus, researchers from Tel AvivUniversity (TAU) have proven that it can be killed efficiently, quickly, and
cheaply using ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). This is the first
study that worked on the disinfection efficiency of UV-LED irradiation at
different wavelengths or frequencies on a virus from the family of
coronaviruses.
Key findings
LEDs
emitting light with a wavelength of 285 nanometers were almost as efficient in
disinfecting the virus as those with a wavelength of 265 nanometers, requiring
less than half a minute to destroy more than 99.9% of the coronaviruses. This result
is significant because the cost of 285-nanometer LED bulbs is 30% lower than
that of 265-nanometer bulbs, said Hadas Mamane, head of Tel Aviv University’s Environmental Engineering Program, who
led the study.
How this study is any different from numerous others
that have already added enough value to the effectiveness of UV LED in
disinfecting the virus.
“The fact that UV kills viruses is not a new thing,
and it is well-known. But what we have done is to produce the first study
looking at the wavelength needed, also known as the frequency, to check exactly
what level of energy is needed to kill the coronavirus. We hope the finding
that less energetic LEDs than previously thought kill the coronavirus will make
this technology more widespread,” explained Mamane in a conversation
with the Times of Israel.
The new study doesn’t take away the fact that
UV LEDs should be used in the absence of human beings unless otherwise
specified.
As Mamane stresses, “The LEDs, while less powerful
than those currently used for disinfection, would still prove dangerous to
humans and therefore should only be activated when people are away from the
surface being cleaned.” She further elaborated on how this research has commercial
and societal implications, given the possibility of using such LED bulbs in all
areas of our lives, safely and quickly. UV-LEDs can be put to use in ventilation
systems and air conditioners for a quicker and easier disinfection in comparison
to chemical-based methods. Moreover, this UV-LED technology doesn’t contain
mercury like traditional bulbs and consumes less energy, making it one of the
best solutions at the moment.
With scientists and researchers from across the globe conducting
numerous studies on UV-LED technology and their subsequent positive outcomes
are certainly putting this technology at the forefront in dealing with the
current pandemic.
To read the source article please click here: The Times of Israel