No UV rays from the sun CANNOT kill COVID-19 !

Coronavirus False

Social Media users have suggested several home remedies to prevent and cure Coronavirus. Amidst this several users on social media claim that Ultraviolet Rays from the sun can kill Coronavirus because melanin in our skin absorbs it. Several social media users have advised people to stand under the sun to prevent or kill the virus.

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Facebook Post | Archive Link

Fact Check-

We started our investigation by running a simple keyword search on Google, which led us to WHO’s website. WHO has clarified under their myth busters that “UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.”

We searched a little more about UV light killing Coronavirus, which led us to a BBC Future Article on UV light and Coronavirus. According to the article, there are three types UV rays namely UVA, UVB and UVC. However, some studies has shown that UVC can be used against some previous Coronaviruses such as SARS but there has been no study or research to prove UVCs effect on killing COVID-19 says Dan Arnold in the article, who works for UV Light Technology, a company that provides disinfecting equipment in the UK.

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Conclusion– Fact Crescendo found the above mentioned post to be False. Ultraviolet light cannot be used to kill COVID-19. UV Radiation on skin can cause skin irritation. 

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Title:No UV rays from the sun CANNOT kill COVID-19 !

Fact Check By: Aavya Ray 

Result: False