In a major development, Japanese scientists have stunned the world by saying ozone can neutralize the coronavirus and it has been useful in disinfecting hospital rooms in Japan, reports Reuters.
What Is It?
Scientists at Fujita Health University told a news conference they had proven that ozone gas in concentrations of 0.05 to 0.1 parts per million (ppm), levels considered harmless to humans, could kill the virus
90% Decrease in Potency
The experiment used an ozone generator in a sealed chamber with a sample of coronavirus.
The potency of the virus declined by more than 90% when subjected to low level ozone for 10 hours.
“Transmission of the novel coronavirus may be reduced by continuous, low-concentration ozone treatment, even in environments where people are present, using this kind of system,” said lead researcher Takayuki Murata.
Depends on Humidity?
“We found it to be particularly effective in high-humidity conditions.”
Previous Ozone Research
Ozone, a type of oxygen molecule, is known to inactivate many pathogens, and previously experiments have shown that high concentrations, between 1-6 ppm, were effective against the coronavirus but potentially toxic to humans.
A recent study at the Georgia Institute of Technology showed that ozone may be effective in disinfecting gowns, goggles and other medical protective equipment.
How Ozone is Being Used?
Fujita Medical University Hospital, in Aichi prefecture central Japan, has installed ozone generators to reduce infection in waiting areas and patient rooms.
The university has also performed a clinical trial of Fujifilm Holdings Corp’s Avigan drug on Covid-19 patients.
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Source: Reuters
