KEEPING your windows and curtains open could reduce the spread of coronavirus in your house.
Not only could the air flow prevent the virus from settling on surfaces, but natural light could destroy the pathogens.
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How long the virus can survive on surfaces is still debated, but studies have found surviving particles on plastic and stainless steel for as long as three days after contact.
However, it is thought that light from outside could destroy the virus.
Scientists from the University of California explained that open windows with natural light could “break it down”.
A previous study looking at the flu virus found its half life – how long it takes for the virus to no longer be active – was 31.6 minutes in a dark room, compared to 2.4 minutes in sunlight, according to Yahoo.
While scientists admit that more research is needed in regard to the impact natural light has on the virus indoors, researchers added that “daylight exists as a free, widely available resource to building occupants with little downside to its use and many documented positive human health benefits”.
Some claim that UV light can destroy the virus – although this has been debunked.
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Expert Dan Arnol, who works for UV Light Technology providing disinfecting equipment to hospitals and other locations, explained that the only UV light which would destroy it, isn’t safe for humans to come into contact with.
UVA and UVB, the two main two main UV rays emitted by the sun, cannot destroy the virus, while UVC, the UV ray which is filtered out by the atmosphere and doesn’t reach the surface, can.
But Dan told the BBC: “UVC is really nasty stuff – you shouldn’t be exposed to it. It can take hours to get sunburn from UVB, but with UVC it takes seconds.”
A study on the Sars virus also found little effect, with the virus remaining unchanged after being exposed to UVA for 15 minutes.
WHO have urged people not to use UV lamps to sterilise hands or other areas of skin in a bid to beat coronavirus.
The organisation said: “UV lamps should not be used to sterilise hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.”
While natural light from outside may help shift the virus, air flow could change how the virus settles in your house.
Other research published in the American Society for Microbiology’s journal mSystems added that the air could “increase outside air fraction and increase total air change rate” which would stop the virus settling on a surface.
Previous studies looking at other infectious diseases, including Sars and influenza also found a reduction in the spread of the virus in buildings with better ventilation and air movement.
However, scientists add it could later settle on another surface, so additional measures of hand washing are still recommended.
Coronavirus can live in the air for hours, according to new research.
Researchers used a nebulizer device to put samples of the virus into the air, the same way it would end up there if someone were to cough.
They found the virus, still viable, could be detected in the air up to three hours later.
A shocking new animation has proven that the UK’s two metre – or six feet – social distancing rule might not be enough to keep you safe during the pandemic if you’re out jogging.
Tech company Ansys created a video which reveals you could come into contact with droplets of Covid-19 even if you stay six feet behind another person while you are walking, running or cycling.
The experts say that because of this running side-by-side could be less risky than in single file, as you are far less likely to be struck with any potentially infected fluids.
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