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Written question asked by Paul Bristow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 May 2021. It was answered by Jo Churchill (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 May 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has been made by (a) the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies and (b) his Department of the potential merits of using (a) UV-C systems and (b) H2O2 vapour as methods of air purification in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Original answer

In July 2020, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies published a paper on the application of UV disinfection, visible light, local air filtration and fumigation technologies, particularly hydrogen peroxide vapour using H2O2 to microbial control regarding COVID-19 transmission. The paper is available at the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904656/S0440_EMG_-_Application_of_UV_disinfection__visible_light__local_air_filtration_and_fumigation.pdf

Public Health England (PHE) has undertaken assessments of inactivation methods against COVID 19, including the use of UV-C and H2O2 vapour, with further evaluations ongoing. PHE published guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Standard use of UV-C and H202 technologies are not recommended as these could be used to supplement existing cleaning and ventilation rather than replace them. Their guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control

It has since been corrected.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
496
Session
2021-22
Related items
Parliamentary Question 496 correction
Tuesday, 1 March 2022
Written statements
House of Commons
Coronavirus: Air Pollution
Friday, 8 April 2022
Written questions
House of Commons
Notes
Answer corrected on 1 March 2022 at HCWS648.
Subjects
Disease control Non-ionizing radiation Coronavirus Hydrogen peroxide
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk