Viral Inactivation: How Chemicals Fight COVID-19 and Flu in the Air

Ever wondered how we can combat viruses like COVID-19 and influenza A in the air? Scientists explored the power of three chemicals – hypochlorous acid, chlorine dioxide, and ozone – to inactivate these viruses. They created a 1 cubic meter chamber and filled it with a mix of these viruses in saliva. Then, they tested the chemicals at different concentrations and times. At 23°C with 50% humidity, all three chemicals showed promise. Hypochlorous acid, chlorine dioxide, and ozone each reduced the COVID-19 virus's ability to infect by 99% within 10 minutes at specific concentrations. Interestingly, COVID-19 lingered even when influenza A was completely inactivated. This study highlights the effectiveness of these chemicals in fighting airborne viruses, but also shows that COVID-19 might be tougher to eliminate.