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ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT CAN KILL COVID19, SAYS UP COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

/ 3 August 2020

ULTRAVIOLET light can kill Covid19, according to the University of the Philippines College of Public Health.

“Ginagawa po kasi ng ultraviolet radiation is that it destroys the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) of the mi-croorganisms, ‘yung bacteria, ‘yung viruses and ‘yung fungi so it is effective,” UP CPH Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Assistant Professor Marian Fe Theresa Lomboy revealed in a webinar.

Lomboy added that recent studies showed UV light is effective in “inactivating coronaviruses”, in-cluding H1N1, influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Diseases (SARS), and Novel Coronavirus (NCOV).

However, the use of UV light has its limitations and is not for home use since it can cause skin irrita-tions and harm the eyes. It is also not recommended in offices without proper ventilation.

UV light can only be used in water treatment and hospitals, she added.

According to the International Ultraviolet Association, UV light has been useful for over 40 years in cleaning water and air.

Consumers often use the device for cleaning water bottles and dirty phones.