Up To Date

How A Special Kind Of Ultraviolet Light Helps Fight The Coronavirus

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 10, 2020 at 3:07 PM CDT

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Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi worked during the pandemic to develop a method of using UV-C light to disinfect supplies, including respirators, in Detroit. His methods are now being used elsewhere to fight COVID-19.

Researchers around the world are exposing items to a particular kind of ultraviolet light to kill the coronavirus.

Consumer products that disinfect using UV-C light are available, but nothing is without risks. Eye protection is important, and some room sterilizers require you to physically leave the room during use.

Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi, dermatologist at Henry Ford Health System
Rob Gonzalez, marketing director for Sarin Energy

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Up To Date Talk Show Coronavirus medical research public health Overland Park virus Podcast Health light science

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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