Applying UV light to common disinfectants makes them safer to use, and in higher concentrations
Applying UV light to common disinfectants makes them safer to use, and in higher concentrations
Over 400 common disinfectants currently in use could be made safer for people and the environment and could better fight the COVID-19 virus with the simple application of UVC light, a new study from the University of Waterloo shows.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is the most common active ingredient in many disinfectants regularly used in hospitals, households, and food processing plants to protect against a wide range of viruses and bacteria – including all strains of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 – but its toxicity means that it can’t be used in high concentrations. It also means that products containing BAK are harmful to humans and the environment.
Researchers at Waterloo discovered that the chemical’s toxicity could be fully neutralized using ultraviolet light (UVC) when tested on cultured human corneal cells.
“Our results show that a disinfecting procedure using BAK followed by UVC radiation can minimize the harmful effect of BAK residues on humans and the environment,” said Dr. David McCanna of Waterloo’s Department of Optometry & Vision Science. “Such a procedure also has a great potential to maximize the disinfection efficacy by utilizing two different antimicrobial mechanisms.
“As the pandemic continues, our findings are especially important as it provides another method to make our hospitals, food, homes, and the environment safer.”
While an important ingredient for a disinfectant’s efficacy, BAK is a severe human skin and eye irritant. The chemical’s high toxicity limits the ability to use products with a high concentration of BAK to better protect against harmful viruses and bacteria. High levels of BAK residue are also harmful to the environment, proving especially toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and birds.
After exposing a BAK solution to germicidal ultraviolet-C lamps, they applied the solution to cultured human corneal cells for five minutes and analyzed for cell metabolic activity and viability. The BAK solutions were completely neutralized by UVC as the solutions no longer harmed the cultured human corneal epithelial cells.
“With concerns about the spread of COVID-19, people are utilizing products with BAK as an active ingredient more than ever,” said Waterloo alumnus and lead author Dr. Manlong Xu, who is currently a clinical research fellow in the University of Alberta’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science.
“For many industries, there is the demand to improve the efficacy of standard disinfection procedures, while also keeping in mind any potential negative impact on the environment.”
Original Article: Just add light
More from: University of Waterloo | University of Alberta
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
UVC light
- How do birds get their colors? A guide to your vibrantly hued, winged friends
Learn how birds chirping near your feeder get their rainbow of colorful feathers, how they serve them, and why we perceive them the way we do ...
- May the 4th Corrupt You: Star Wars-themed haunted house will open for one day
Recently, this evil force has returned. To unveil unnatural activity, the basement below the mill has been lit up in ultraviolet light and it was discovered that this evil force has been spreading. It ...
- The Iconic Hubble Telescope Just Turned 34 And We Can’t Stop Staring At Its Birthday Snapshot
This isn’t the case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. The Little Dumbbell Nebula image is, for good reason, what NASA selected to celebrate the 34th birthday of the Hubble Space Telescope.
- UV-C Disinfection Robot Market CAGR of 32% Importance of Net Promoter Score Measuring and Improving Customer Loyalty
The robots developed with UV-C light, are used as a part of the consistent cleaning cycle, which results in preventing and reducing the spread of communicable diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and ...
- Juno's Best Images of Jupiter and Its Moons (So Far)
Since 2016, the NASA mission has captured some awe-inspiring views of alien worlds and promising venues for alien life.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
UVC light
[google_news title=”” keyword=”UVC light” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Benzalkonium chloride
- 3 women likely contracted HIV through 'vampire facials' at unlicensed New Mexico spa: CDC
Three women likely contracted HIV through "vampire facials" at an unlicensed New Mexico spa, the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) announced Thursday.
- How cleaning product chemicals called ‘quats’ may affect the brain
A common ingredient in household disinfectants called ‘quats’ may kill some brain cells, according to new research.
- Benzalkonium Chloride Market Poised for Growth, Expected to Reach US$ 2,267.3 Million by 2034, with a CAGR of 2.00%
The benzalkonium chloride market is set to experience substantial growth, with a valuation of US$ 1,856.2 million in 2024. It is projected to reach US$ 2,267.3 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 2.
- Real eyesore: Why NZ’s glaucoma sufferers are being shortchanged
New Zealanders with glaucoma are being shortchanged when it comes to treatments. The condition is the leading cause of preventable blindness and can be managed using daily eye drops. However, the ...
- These 5 OTC Cold Sore Treatments Soothe, Heal, and Prevent Blister Outbreaks
Our editors shared their favorite treatments for providing quick relief for painful cold sores. Cold sores are quite common, and many people have a cold sore outbreak a few times a year. Itchy, ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Benzalkonium chloride
[google_news title=”” keyword=”benzalkonium chloride” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]