Israeli researchers say ozone gas effective at killing coronavirus on surfaces

Ozone, the atmospheric gas that is known for protecting the earth against harmful rays, can also be used to disinfect surfaces from contamination by the coronavirus, say Tel Aviv University researchers.

A study shows that using the gas inactivated the virus even on hard-to-reach places that are not normally disinfected with hand-applied liquid disinfectants and at a 90% success rate, the university says in a statement Wednesday.

“For the first time, we have managed to prove that it is highly efficient in combating coronavirus as well,” says lead researcher Dr. Ines Zucker from the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Ivy and Eldar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering and the Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences at the Tel Aviv University.

The coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, is able to remain active on surfaces for hours or even days depending on the surface and the environmental conditions.

Researchers demonstrate that ozone gas, which is already used as an antibacterial and antiviral agent in water treatment, can also be used to sanitize surfaces.

“Its advantage over common disinfectants (such as alcohol and bleach) is its ability to disinfect objects and aerosols within a room, and not just exposed surfaces, rapidly and with no danger to public health,” Zucker says.