Covid-19, disinfect the smartphone
Air pollution and the spread of Covid-19, scientific studies
23 March 2020
Covid-19, home isolation. The ISS instructions
25 March 2020
Covid-19, why disinfect it smartphone? Simply because it is one of the tools that are most used in every context, at home and outside. Often you touch it without first washing your hands and put it in contact with your face. Next to the nose and mouth.
Lo smartphone however, it is not free from viruses and can even become a vector of it. It is therefore necessary to sanitize it frequently, in this phase of coronavirus emergency. Always, after having exposed it to possible sources of contamination. (1) Here's how.
Why disinfect the smartphone?
'Smartphones can be a receptacle for many microorganisms, therefore also of the coronavirus. Better to clean them thoroughly every day and even more often, if you have been to places or spaces where there has been a case of coronavirus'. (Matteo Bassetti, Director of the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, San Martino Hospital in Genoa, and President of the Italian Society of Anti-Infectious Therapy (Sita. V. note 2)
Some studies and experts refer to the contamination of mobile phones by germs in quantities even higher than those that can be recorded on the table of a public toilet. Precisely because the second - but not the first - is subjected to periodic cleaning with disinfectant detergents (biocides). (3)
The coronavirus after all, it tends to persist in the air but also on surfaces, for hours and days depending on the materials and environmental factors. (4) It is therefore also necessary to disinfect cell phones and remote controls often, like all objects with which we often come into contact.
Ultraviolet rays?
On the Web it is easy to find news of (expensive) devices that - according to those who sell them - could sanitize the mobile phone with ultraviolet rays (UV-C). Indeed, UV-C sterilization has been a well-established technique since the middle of the last century for the 'work shoes' of surgeons and dentists, among others.
It is not recommended however, to trust these devices in the absence of an effective guarantee on their functioning, which is still lacking. When tools with specific certifications that certify their effectiveness, based on specific tests, will be available, we will be happy to return to the topic.
Detergents and wipes
The producers di smartphone e tablets, until last month, they advised against applying disinfectants. As they could wear down the 'oleophobic coating' of screens in the long run, which is designed to keep them fingerprint-free and moisture-free.
The emergency Coronavirus, however, prompted Apple to update its cleaning tips, also including wipes impregnated with disinfectant solutions based on:
- isopropyl alcohol (or isopropanol alcohol, or 2-propanol) at 70%. The solution to favor, used in many hand washing gels with sanitizing action available on the market,
- sodium hypochlorite (or bleach. Eg. Amuchina. Apple quotes the Clorox, Made in USA),
How to disinfect smartphone and other electronic tools
Electronic appliances smartphone, remote controls, tablets, pc, musical instruments, etc. - they must be disinfected regularly, in this phase of viral emergency. With the precautions indicated below.
Coat the screen with a replaceable plastic film is a recommended solution to limit the risk of wear and tear on the screen itself.
▶ Preparations:
- disconnect external power sources, cables and other devices (e.g. headphones), to be sanitized separately,
- wash your hands carefully, (6)
- take a cloth soft and lint-free (or a cutout from T-shirts or other used clothing),
- alternatively (writer's note), use a paper towel or a soft, tear-resistant synthetic material.
▶ ️ Sanitation:
- moisten the cloth or paper. Without wetting them, unless the tools to be sanitized are waterproof, i.e. water resistant),
- keep liquids away from the products, unless otherwise indicated for the products waterproof,
- to apply the cloth or towel over the entire surface of the appliance, evenly, trying to prevent moisture from penetrating into the holes,
- do not use spray, high concentration bleach, abrasive or corrosive detergents.
▶ After sanitation:
- to throw the wipe in a closed container, or
- sanitize the cloth or fabric used, following the procedures already indicated for the individual protection masks, (7)
- repeat the wash hands. (6)
Dario Dongo and Martina Novelli
Note
(1) The coronavirus persists for a long time on surfaces, smartphones must also be sanitized,
(2) Coronavirus, the virologist: 'Disinfect smartphones every day'. Adnkronos, 2.3.20
(3) Kõljalg, Siiri & Mändar, Rando & Sõber, Tiina & Rööp, Tiiu & Mändar, Reet. (2017). High level bacterial contamination of secondary school students' mobile phones. GERMS. 7. 73-77. doi: 10.18683 / germs.2017.1111
Susan E. Matthews. Because your cellphone has more germs than a toilet. Today Health, 30.8.12,
Dalvin Brown. Your smartphone is 7 times dirtier than your toilet. Here's how to clean it. MedicalXpress, 4.3.20,
(4) Coronavirus, persistence in the air and distances. The Chinese study / Air pollution and the spread of Covid-19, scientific studies
Air pollution and the spread of Covid-19, scientific studies
(5) How to clean your Apple products. NB, Apple itself now markets the alcohol-pad (70% isopropryl alcohol)
(6) Wash your hands often, how and why,
(7) Masks, sanitation and reuse in exceptional cases of unavailability of spare parts. V. previous article
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
