Most viruses are not resistant to hand washing, disinfectants or ozone. Coronaviruses are no exception.
The fate of viruses or bacteria and the contagion of body fluids outside the human body depend both on the resistance of the pathogen and on the type of surface on which they are located, as well as the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, the presence of certain chemicals, acidity (pH) and UV radiation (including from the sun). In countries like India, a typical sunlight-exposed virus is no longer dangerous. In the same way, ozone generators or special UV lamps known in hospitals work.
It is difficult to determine exactly how long a bacterium or virus can survive outside the human body, for example on a door handle or a handkerchief. In the case of viruses that do not meet the definition of a living organism, the question would be more relevant: “After how long are they no longer dangerous to humans?
Coronaviruses that are currently topical worldwide due to the COVID-19 epidemic are mainly spread by the drip route. A sick person coughs or sneezes saliva or mucous drops with the virus. These drops can get on someone else’s mouth or nose or be inhaled into the lungs. They can also settle on the surface of objects such as: bedding, clothing or door handle and from there end up on someone’s hands. After touching the face, it can get on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes.
The coronavirus survives longer in a humid environment. Depending on the material and conditions, human coronaviruses present on a table or door handle can remain infectious from 2 hours to 9 days. At temperatures around 4 degrees Celsius, some types of coronaviruses can remain active for up to 28 days. They will last shorter at a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius.
Regular ozonization of surfaces, furniture in our apartments, offices and communication vehicles effectively reduces the risk of coronavirus and influenza infection. Also after infectious diseases, ozonization will reduce the spread of viruses to other people.
