Tanuvas begins study on using UV rays for disinfection

Chennai

To keep zoonotic infections at bay during the times of coronavirus, wildlife officials at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur are pinning hopes on UV rays, which has proved to be efficient in arresting bacterial infections.

Several research studies have been taken up globally to study the efficacy of UV rays in controlling and killing coronavirus. As a pilot study, the feed given to all zoo animals is exposed to controlled UV rays to ensure that it is free from pathogens, said a senior AAZP official.

The decision was taken after consulting wildlife science academicians at the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) where the scientific study is under way.

If the trial succeeds, it can be expanded to other government offices to scan files and remove viral load and also process food before consuming, said a source with Tanuvas confirming that the department of wildlife science at Madras Veterinary College, Tanuvas, is on a pilot project dealing with the impact of UV rays on coronavirus. If scaled up successfully, the researchers believe that the UV light could be used to disinfect public areas such as bus terminus, railway stations, airports, shopping malls and cinema theatres.

As the project is at the pilot stage, not much data can be disclosed now, the source said, adding there were many dangers related to UV rays as well. A section of scientists also believes that UV rays without ozone filter may lead to cancer in humans, the source quipped.

“Similar studies are already happening in Hyderabad where UV light in the range of wavelengths between 200 and 300 nanometres is tried and believed that they inactivate bacteria and viruses, disinfecting the air and solid surfaces,” said a senior state official at the Secretariat.

At present, the files being sent to the Chief Minister’s office are subjected to UV ray disinfection and we have to check the efficacy of the process for further expansion,” the official said, adding, that in other departments, hand gloves and sanitisers are given to those handling government files.