The fight against the Covid-19 is fought on many flanks. The Spanish population is now obliged to wear masks, as a method to prevent the spread and contagion . But what about our mobile? That object that we touch hundreds of times a day and that nobody remembers in this battle.
Our hands can be very clean and have a face mask. But immediately afterwards we will touch a mobile phone, whose body, with or without a casing and screen, has surely been exposed to tables where it has landed, and other elements susceptible to contagion. In the last few weeks , UV cleaning methods are proliferating to disinfect other electronic devices on our mobile phones.
Ultraviolet light against coronavirus
China, the great factory of the world, begins the massive manufacture of ” miracle devices” that claim to kill the coronavirus through UV exposure . These gadgets usually do not cost more than 30 or 40 euros, and the uses can be unlimited. In some forums, it is even claimed that the nail drying machine itself can be used to insert the mobile phone and disinfect the virus terminal.
It is effective, but with the Covid-19?
It is known that UV radiation can be used to inactivate viruses and other pathogens, which may be present in any environment or object that is in contact with people. However, this type of ultraviolet radiation is called type C, or UVC. The big difference is that this type of radiation emits wavelengths between 100 and 280 nm, and part of its frequencies are considered ionizing radiation and part of non-ionizing radiation.
The efficacy has been proven in many viruses, and is possibly equally valid for the Covid-19, but it is something that is currently in question. The effectiveness of UVC rays is that they destroy the most important molecule that makes up a microorganism, that is, its DNA and RNA. This type of ultraviolet radiation cannot be perceived by people, since it is invisible. Sometimes to distinguish whether the equipment is working or not, or to deceive in case of not having the right technology, it can be accompanied by a visible blue light.
Beware of miracle products
This type of technology is used by professionals who need effective disinfection methods, but it is rarely found in miracle devices that claim to remove viruses from our cell phones at a stroke. The main advice is to be wary of miracle apartos that begin to appear from under the stones. Many sellers will take advantage of the need, fear and need for protection of the population to sell fake mobile sterilizers. Many well-known brands will start offering them soon, but like everything, we will also find fakes that will only offer a false sense of security.
It is also important to read the technical specifications well to know if we are facing UVC rays , which have been proven to be effective. Ultimately, we can always ask the seller to answer questions. In any case, none of these machines can substitute the recommended methods for the population by the health authorities such as washing hands, social distance or the use of the mask.