{"id":1261,"date":"2020-03-27T17:54:06","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T16:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.zhermack.com\/laboratory-en\/come-eliminare-il-coronavirus-dalle-superfici-inanimate\/"},"modified":"2020-03-27T18:23:45","modified_gmt":"2020-03-27T17:23:45","slug":"how-eliminate-coronavirus-from-surfaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.zhermack.com\/en\/hygiene-en\/how-eliminate-coronavirus-from-surfaces\/","title":{"rendered":"How to eliminate Coronavirus from surfaces?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From preliminary American studies,\nit seems that Coronavirus could last on inanimate objects for some days,\nkeeping its infecting property. How to eliminate it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the last weeks we have heard a lot regarding\nthe way of transmission of this Coronavirus and about actions that everyone of\nus can apply to counteract its diffusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not yet\nclear how long this virus can last and keep its infecting count on surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past days, the well-known Italian\nvirologist Roberto Burioni mentioned on his blog Medical Facts<\/em><\/strong>[1]\n<\/em><\/strong>an American study[2] <\/em><\/strong>regarding this matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if its\ndata are preliminary and to be confirmed with more tests, this study is\nrevealing that this virus can survive on different types of surfaces (copper,\ncarton, steel, plastic) for some days keeping its infecting count (even if it\ngoes down by the time passing)[1].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, infection risk\noccurs when people touches surfaces that have been contaminated hours before,\nand then they touch their faces[1]: so, beside the mandatory procedure of a\ncorrect hand washing, it is also essential to correctly disinfect surfaces as\nwell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make sure to effectively inactivate the virus?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure a complete and safe disinfection of\nthe surfaces, it is useful to pick a product having the following features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adequate effectiveness spectrum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First of\nall, it is important that the product is effective against enveloped viruses\nand that this activity is certified in accordance with EN 14476 and\/or\nDVV\/RKI norms<\/strong>. As a matter of fact, according to Robert Koch Institute[3]\n<\/strong>(the German Institute responsible forthe\ncontrol and the prevention of infective diseases) disinfectant labelling \u201cvirucidal\u201d<\/strong>\nor \u201climitedly virucidal\u201d<\/strong> action spectrum in accordance to EN 14476 o\nDVV\/RKI are effective against SARS-CoV-2[4], the new Coronavirus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-toxicity for the operator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, it is recommended to pick a product which does not contain hazardous substances for the operator\u2019s health, such as aldeydes (Glutaraldehydes)[5] and phenols (e.g. Phenylphenol)[6] which cause severe irritation of the skin and eyes in case of contact and of respiratory tract if inhaled, or the Biguanide, suspected carcinogen under investigation from the ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency[7].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility with surfaces to be disinfected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it\nis of fundamental importance to check the product compatibility with the\nsurfaces to be treated: it is recommended to use alcohol-based solutions only\non surfaces which are not sensitive to it, while for more delicate surfaces,\nsuch as eco-friendly leather or plastic, it is recommended to use alcohol-free\nproducts in order to avoid damaging them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the market, different types of products are\navailable, which are divided into two major macro-categories: alcohol-based<\/strong>\nproducts <\/strong>and alcohol-free products<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The above\ncategories present both spray products<\/strong> and wipes<\/strong> soaked into a\ndisinfectant solution. .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use products to correctly disinfect surfaces?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before its\napplication, it is recommended to always read the instruction for use<\/strong>:\nit contains the list of types of surfaces whom the product is compatible with,\nhow to use it and its action time, that has to absolutely be observed in order\nto achieve the indicated microbiocidal activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, to\nperform a correct disinfection, it is necessary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n