Research is still ongoing into many aspects of SARS-CoV-2, including how long it can live on various surfaces. So far, two studies have been published on this topic. We’ll discuss their findings below.
The first study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). For this study, a standard amount of aerosolized virus was applied to different surfaces.
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The second study was published in The Lancet. In this study, a droplet containing a set amount of virus was placed onto a surface.
In both studies, the surfaces to which the virus had been applied were incubated at room temperature. Samples were collected at different time intervals, which were then used to calculate the amount of viable virus.
Keep in mind: Although SARS-CoV-2 can be detected on these surfaces for a particular length of time, the viability of the virus, due to environmental and other conditions, is not known.
Plastic
Many objects that we use every day are made of plastic. Some examples include, but aren’t limited to:
- food packaging
- water bottles and milk containers
- credit cards
- remote controls and video game controllers
- light switches
- computer keyboards and mouse
- ATM buttons
- toys
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The NEJM article detected the virus on plastic for up to 3 days. However, researchers in the Lancet study found that they could detect the virus on plastic for longer — up to 7 days.
Metal
Metal is used in a wide variety of objects we use every day. Some of the most common metals include stainless steel and copper. Examples include:
Stainless steel
- door handles
- refrigerators
- metal handrails
- keys
- cutlery
- pots and pans
- industrial equipment
Copper
- coins
- cookware
- jewelry
- electrical wires
While the NEJM article found that no viable virus could be detected on stainless steel after 3 days, researchers for the Lancet article detected viable virus on stainless steel surfaces for up to 7 days.
Investigators in the NEJM article also assessed viral stability on copper surfaces. The virus was less stable on copper, with no viable virus detected after only 4 hours.
Paper
Some examples of common paper products include:
- paper money
- letters and stationery
- magazines and newspapers
- tissues
- paper towels
- toilet paper
The Lancet study found that no viable virus could be found on printing paper or tissue paper after 3 hours. However, the virus could be detected on paper money for up to 4 days.
Glass
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Some examples of glass objects that we touch every day include:
- windows
- mirrors
- drinkware
- screens for TVs, computers, and smartphones
The Lancet article found that no virus could be detected on glass surfaces after 4 days.
Cardboard
Some cardboard surfaces that you may come into contact with include objects like food packaging and shipping boxes.
The NEJM study found that no viable virus could be detected on cardboard after 24 hours.
Wood
The wooden objects that we find in our homes are often things like tabletops, furniture, and shelving.
Researchers in the Lancet article found that viable virus from wood surfaces could not be detected after 2 days.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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