Reducing the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 relies on effective cleaning and disinfection, along with continued social distancing practices. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) researchers are evaluating innovative ways to disinfect large spaces (e.g., schools, businesses, mass transit), including the use of alternative methods to kill viruses such as ultraviolet light (UV-C) that claim to reduce or eliminate virus transmission via surfaces.
Because these disinfection devices can be considered pesticide devices, they are regulated by EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), but they do not require registration and therefore their efficacy claims are not reviewed or verified by EPA. In the absence of third-party assessments, EPA is conducting research to understand which technologies reduce the amount of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces.
Researchers are assessing UV-C methods and technologies on multiple materials against SARS-CoV-2 and potential surrogate viruses. This information will provide stakeholders with data on the effectiveness of these products in reducing SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. EPA is working collaboratively with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority to test these devices in unused railcars to determine feasibility and effectiveness in real-world application.
Speakers:
Dr. Katherine Ratliff is a physical scientist in EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response.
Dr. Lukas Oudejans is a Research Physical Scientist with the EPA ORD's Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response.