Impact of Heat on Novel Coronavirus: Insights into Temperature Relationships
In the ongoing battle against the spread of SARS-CoV-2, understanding how to effectively decontaminate surfaces in home environments is crucial. Here's a breakdown of some key findings that can help you maintain a clean and safe home.
SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. While ambient temperatures of 25–30°C can reduce viral survival over time, immediate and reliable inactivation on surfaces is more commonly achieved via other methods.
Chemical disinfectants that kill ≥99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 in as little as 15 seconds of contact are effective on hard, non-porous surfaces. According to EPA data, such disinfectants can be a practical solution for home applications, where relying solely on temperature may not be enough.
Alternatively, ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation, when used for about 2.5 minutes, has been shown effective in eradicating SARS-CoV-2 under controlled conditions.
However, it's important to note that appliances and hot water faucets in home settings usually cannot reach the temperatures necessary for rapid inactivation of the virus. High temperatures, such as those above 167°F (75°C) for 3 minutes, above 149°F (65°C) for 5 minutes, or above 140°F (60°C) for 20 minutes, may deactivate SARS-CoV-2, but these temperatures are not typically achievable in home settings.
In terms of food safety, exposure to normal cooking temperatures will kill viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 from food products or packaging is very low.
As for laundry, most washing machines do not reach temperatures high enough to kill SARS-CoV-2. The CDC recommends cleaning with soaps, detergents, or disinfectants for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Limited research suggests that a temperature of at least 158°F (70°C) for 5 minutes can deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, this level of heat is not commonly achievable in home appliances.
In conclusion, while temperature can play a role in reducing the survival of SARS-CoV-2, immediate and reliable decontamination in home settings is more effectively achieved through the use of chemical disinfectants with short exposure times or UVC light exposure for a few minutes, rather than by temperature alone. Always follow the guidelines provided by health authorities, such as the CDC, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
- To combat the coronavirus outbreak, understanding the safety measures for home decontamination is vital, as SARS-CoV-2 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets.
- Chemical disinfectants that kill over 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 within 15 seconds of contact are useful for non-porous surfaces, as relying solely on home temperatures may not be sufficient for immediate and reliable decontamination.
- In terms of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, exposure to normal cooking temperatures will destroy viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, thus minimizing the risk of contracting the virus from food products or packaging.
- In regard to medical-conditions, research indicates that a temperature of at least 158°F (70°C) for 5 minutes can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus, yet this temperature is not generally achievable through home appliances.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises cleaning with soaps, detergents, or disinfectants as a recommended practice for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, as most washing machines in home settings do not reach temperatures high enough to kill the virus.
