#15,263
One of the most often asked questions I get about the SARS-CoV-2 virus is how long it can survive on inanimate surfaces. And as with many other questions about the virus, the answer must be prefaced by . . it depends.
Some surfaces (i.e. stainless steel, plastic) offer a much `friendlier' environment for the virus than say, copper or cardboard. Temperature, humidity, and UV light exposure are all important factors in the decay of the virus.In fact, the `right' temperature and humidity levels can increase the viability of the virus by days. Lower temperatures, and lower humidities - such as you often find in a hospital or office environment - are particularly helpful in extending the life of the virus.
Although it is a work in progress, and its options are still limited, the DHS has published an online calculator that estimates the half-life of SARS-CoV-2 on specific surfaces (stainless steel for now), based on (user selected) temperature and humidity.
Estimated Natural Decay of SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) on surfaces under a range of temperatures and relative humidity
Select surface type, enter temperature, and enter relative humidity. The resulting decay of SARS-CoV-2 is shown in the table below.
Relative Humidity and Temperature can be used to provide an estimated half-life for SARS-CoV-2 with this model with some degree of certainty. The predictive power is limited to temperature between 70°F-95°F and Relative Humidity between 20-60%. The formula below was developed in °C, but has been modified in the web calculator to use °F.
Background
- Preventing person-to-person spread of SARS-CoV-2 is the only means to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the absence of an effective therapeutic.
- Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets produced by talking, coughing, & sneezing.
- Contact with contaminated surfaces & objects may also contribute to spread.
- SARS-CoV-2 will survive in saliva and respiratory fluids on surfaces for extended periods of time under certain conditions.
- DHS S&T has studied the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in simulated saliva, using droplets of varying size deposited on a non-porous surface under a range of temperature and RH conditions.
- Viral survival on surfaces is driven by temperature, relative humidity (RH), and matrix (e.g., bodily fluids).
- These data have been used to develop a predictive model to estimate virus decay under a limited range of environmental conditions.
- Testing performed on non-porous surfaces, specifically stainless steel, ABS plastic, and nitrile rubber (coming soon).
- There was no significant difference found in the decay of the virus found between stainless steel and ABS plastic.
Model Caveats
(Continue . . . )S&T is partnering with CWMD to develop a tool that is easily accessible could be used by Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals to support risk assessment, cleaning and disinfection in accordance with guidance provided by CDC and EPA including Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting: Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes.
- Infectious dose is unknown (how much makes a person sick)
- Virus shedding is unknown (how much a sick person puts into the environment)
- Contact Hazard (how much virus comes off from touching surfaces)
- Model can estimate virus decay at certain conditions: temperature (room temperature or 70°F to 95°F) and relative humidity from 20-60%, without exposure to direct sunlight.
