Coronavirus (COVID-19) lifespan on different surfaces
The novel human coronavirus (COVID-19) has alarmed the whole world and urged every country it has affected to close the borders in order to supress spread of the new illness. COVID-19 has a very cunning nature. In fact the virus itself is not so new as it may seem to an ordinary person. It has been existing in animals since a long time. But now something happened due to what the virus has adapted to the human organism. Despite its spread via droplets, the virus can be transmitted from human to human through infected hands. And hands, in their turn, get the virus from different surfaces on which the virus can remain persistent upto several days.
Let’s have a look at different surfaces around us and the lifespan of COVID-19 on them.
On plastic – 5 days
Coronavirus lives on plastic surfaces for ≤5 days in the temperature 22°-25°C, and 4-6 days in room temperature.
Among the plastic surfaces we face daily are bank cards, metro seats, shopping baskets. That is why it is important to stay home and minimize contact with such surfaces outside. However at home we also ave plastic items such as laptop keyboard, computer mouse, plastic containers, toys, etc. Don’t feel lazy to sanitize, wipe or wash well all of them.
On teflon and ceramics – 5 days
The novel virus remains alive here for five days as well in the temperature of 22°C.
Teflon and ceramic coated frying pans can become virus transmitters. If you feel unwell and discover symptoms of coronavirus avoid cooking and visiting kitchen. Stay in bed and let your organism fight “the intruder”. Among popular ceramics surfaces are floor and wall tiles, cups, plates, vases, home decorating statues and other items.
On paper – 4-5 days
Paper surfaces keep the human coronavirus alive for 4-5 days in room temperature.
Be careful while receivin change in the shop. If possible use cashless payment methods. Use sanitizer and wash your hands well after touching money and other paper items.
On wood – 4 days
Wooden surfaces are comfortable for coronavirus to live for the period of four days in room temparature.
These days all wooden furniture can put our health at risk in case of contact with an infected person. Avoid organizing crowded parties and inviting guests even if they are your good neighbours or close friends and relatives.
On glass – 4 days
Windows, water and wine glasses, mirrors, glass journal tables, TV, computer and mobile screens should be wiped and disinfected regularly. These surfaces are rather comfortable for a 4-day life (in 21°C) of the human coronavirus. In room temparature the same surface can become a refuge for COVID-19 upto 5 days.
Always carry your own water bottle. Avoid using glasses offered in public eateries.
On steel – 48 hours
Coronavirus presitence on still has proved to be 48 hours in 20°C. However in higher temperature of 30°C the virus can keep alive only from eight to 24 hours.
Public steel surfaces to avoid: railings, banisters and handholds especially in public transport and other crowded places. Home steel items to disinfect more often and wash well: spoons, forks, plates, pots and other utensils; pet cages, door knobs (especially of the entrance door).
On latex – 8 hours
One of the popular precautious measures in the current pandemic outbreak is use of disposable gloves. Latex gloves are used not only by medical personnel but also by common people who try to avoid contact with possibly contaminated surfaces outside. In order to prevent bringing the virus home, dispose the gloves in the nearest to your home dustbin, or wash gloves with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
On aluminium 2-8 hours
COVID-19 contaminates aluminium surfaces for the maximum period of 8 hours in temperature of 21°C. Items in possible danger are water bottles, aluminium dishes and pressure cookers, disposable plates (commonly used to serve food in flights and in the streets).
Overview of coronavirus persistence on various surfaces
Disinfecting solution for COVID-19
The notorious coronavirus cannot survive on surfaces (outside the human body) forever. Eventually it dies. However, none of us would like to live in a surrounding with a probable presence of the new virus. The biggest enemy of coronavirus (COVID-19) is ethyl alcohol. It kills the novel virus within 30-60 seconds. It ‘s been scientifically proven that the solution contianing 62-71% ethyl alcohol along with 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, sucesssfully eliminates COVID-19from different surfaces.
Data collected from The Journal of Hospital Infection