Physical Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses: A Review

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for the ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Other members of the enveloped RNA virus family Coronaviridae have been responsible for a variety of human diseases and economically important animal diseases. Disinfection of air, environmental surfaces, and solutions is part of infection prevention and control (IPAC) for such viruses and their associated diseases. This article reviews the literature on physical inactivation (disinfection) approaches for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Data for thermal (heat) inactivation, gamma irradiation, and ultraviolet light in the C range (UVC) irradiation have been reviewed. As expected, the susceptibilities of different members of the Coronaviridae to these physical inactivation approaches are similar. This implies that knowledge gained for SARS-CoV-2 should be applicable also to its emerging mutational variants and to other future emerging coronaviruses. The information is applicable to a variety of disinfection applications, including IPAC, inactivation of live virus for vaccine or laboratory analytical use, and waste stream disinfection.