Edwards, Deborah  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1885-9297, Csontos, Judit ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4597-3052, Gillen, Elizabeth ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3700-3913, Lewis, Ruth, Cooper, Alison ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8660-6721, Gal, Micaela ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1326-190X, Law, Rebecca-Jane and Edwards, Adrian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1885-9297
2022.
The efficacy, effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 disinfection methods (including ozone machines) in educational settings for children and young people.
[Online].
medRxiv:
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.02.21.22271281
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Abstract
While evidence for the importance of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from contaminated surfaces is limited, ozone disinfection methods have been considered for surface cleaning as a response to stopping the spread of the virus in educational settings. This rapid evidence summary aimed to search the available literature and summarise findings on the surface survival of SARS-CoV-2, efficacy and effectiveness of ozone machines against SARS-CoV-2, and benefits and harms caused by using these cleaning technologies, including their impact on health. Alternative cleaning technologies, such as light-based technologies and hydrogen peroxide vapour, were also investigated. Findings indicate that gaseous ozone can inactivate different bacteria and viruses, although there is a lack of direct evidence investigating the effect of these cleaning methods on SARS-CoV-2 in real-world settings, specifically in schools. However, regarding harm, ozone is a highly reactive oxidising agent, and high concentrations can contribute to decay of building materials, and health issues (mainly respiratory) by direct exposure or by-product formation. Therefore, leading environmental health organisations do not recommend the use of ozone cleaning technologies in real-world settings, such as schools. Research and policy focus may need to shift towards other interventions that could help reduce transmission, and consequently minimise disruption to education.
| Item Type: | Website Content |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Healthcare Sciences Research Institutes & Centres > Prime Centre Wales (PRIME) |
| Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Funders: | Health and Care Research Wales, Welsh Government |
| Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 17 March 2022 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 22 February 2022 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Nov 2024 10:28 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/148190 |
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