The efficacy, effectiveness and safety of SARS-CoV-2 disinfection methods (including ozone machines) in educational settings for children and young people

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:	Healthcare Sciences 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:	24 Oct 2024 16:57
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/148190

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