Researchers at Columbia University have been studying ways of using ultraviolet light to kill airborne viral influenza particles. You may be wondering - “isn’t ultraviolet light the stuff that we should be staying away from?” - it’s actually a specific type of UV light! While ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) light is harmful to the skin and eyes, Dr. David Brenner and researcher David Welch figured out that far ultraviolet C light (far UVC) doesn’t penetrate the skin and so can be used relatively closer to people than UVA or UVB light. This far UVC light is predicted to be able to kill the viral particles in the air, for example after someone sneezes. Welch was quoted as saying “With a very small dose, we were able to kill 95 percent of viruses.” The possibilities of using this light in hospitals or schools is attractive, however even though these researchers haven’t seen any biological hazards or health consequences of using this far UVC light, more research will likely be needed. Another thing holding this process back is the fact that the light would cost $1000, though they’ve said that once it is mass produced, the cost is expected to steeply decrease.
-Meley
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