How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?

Q: How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?

Dear Mr. <br>Jianhe：<br>1. <br>When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations： 4 to 5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2 to 8 hou

Inquiries about disinfection matters?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about the current situation regarding the pandemic.
If I have paper items like postcards or books that cannot be wiped down with alcohol, what is the best way to disinfect them? Should I just leave them for a few days for the virus to die off on its own? Thank you.

Jianhe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/21

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Jianhe:
1.
When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4 to 5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2 to 8 hours on aluminum, and 5 days on plastic.
However, these figures should be taken as references, as many factors can influence survival, including temperature, ultraviolet light, airflow, and humidity.
2.
Due to fomite transmission, such viruses can survive longer in the environment.
Therefore, all inanimate objects that may be contaminated with the coronavirus, including clothing and bed linens used by suspected infected patients, should be cleaned and disinfected with appropriate disinfectants, which is a crucial part of infection control measures.
3.
For items that cannot be disinfected, personal protective measures such as wearing masks and frequent handwashing (especially before touching the face, preparing food, eating, or handling children) are essential.
4.
In our hospital, we also have a lot of paperwork, and it is not feasible to spray alcohol or bleach on all sheets of paper.
Aside from allowing the virus to naturally degrade, we rely on the preventive actions of each individual.

Reply Date: 2022/06/21

More Info

Disinfecting paper items such as postcards or books during a pandemic can be a concern, especially with the ongoing threat of viruses like COVID-19. While it is true that certain viruses can survive on surfaces for varying lengths of time, the approach to disinfecting paper items requires careful consideration due to the material's porous nature.

1. Understanding Virus Survival on Paper: Research has shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can survive on paper surfaces for approximately 4 to 5 days. However, this duration can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight. Therefore, while it is possible for the virus to remain viable on paper for several days, the actual risk of transmission from paper items is relatively low compared to other surfaces like metal or plastic.

2. Natural Degradation: One effective method of reducing the risk of virus transmission from paper items is simply to allow them to sit undisturbed for a period of time. Studies suggest that after 72 hours, the viral load on surfaces, including paper, significantly decreases. If you can afford to wait a few days before handling or using these items, this is a practical and safe approach.

3. Alternative Disinfection Methods: Since traditional disinfectants like alcohol or bleach are not suitable for paper items, consider the following methods:
- UV Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to effectively inactivate viruses on surfaces. If you have access to a UV-C light device, you can use it to disinfect paper items by exposing them to the light for a specified duration.

- Heat Treatment: If the paper items can withstand it, placing them in a warm environment (like a clothes dryer on a low setting for a short time) can help reduce viral presence. However, be cautious as this may damage some items.

- Drying: Simply allowing paper items to dry out in a well-ventilated area can also help, as many viruses are less stable in dry conditions.

4. Personal Hygiene Practices: Regardless of the disinfection method used, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any potentially contaminated items, and avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, until your hands are clean.

5. Use of Masks and Social Distancing: When handling items that may have been exposed to the virus, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing can further reduce the risk of transmission.

6. Conclusion: In summary, while direct disinfection of paper items is challenging, allowing them to sit for several days, utilizing UV light, or applying heat can be effective strategies. Coupled with good hygiene practices, these methods can help mitigate the risk of virus transmission from paper items during the pandemic. Always stay informed about the latest guidelines from health authorities, as recommendations may evolve with ongoing research.

Similar Q&A

Effective Disinfection Methods for Paper Items During COVID-19

Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask for your advice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, if I receive advertising mail or bills, I usually discard them immediately after use. However, for paper items that I need to keep, such as postcards or books, whi...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding the paper materials that may need disinfection, exposing them to ultraviolet light for at least 30 minutes can effectively kill viruses. As for leaving them to sit, there is currently no conclusive evidence on how long they should be left to ensure they are free ...

Outdoor Cough Etiquette: Protecting Your Child's Health

Hello Doctor, During lunchtime, I accompanied my younger sister home from school, and on the way, we encountered a man who was coughing without wearing a mask and sprayed towards us. When we got home, I quickly told my sister to wash her hands and rinse her mouth before watchin...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Mei: 1. Covering your mouth and nose while coughing to prevent droplet spread is a basic etiquette and a measure for infectious disease protection. Unfortunately, there are still a very small number of individuals who do not pay attention to this. Currently, we are faci...

Understanding Infection Control in Dental Practices: Key Safety Measures

1. Are the paper towels commonly used by general dentists placed on the patient's chest disposable or reusable after cleaning? 2. Is the chain clip that is placed around the patient's neck also disposable? If it is not disposable, is it disinfected between each patien...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: 1. There are disposable waterproof towels as well as reusable towels that have been sterilized through high-temperature and high-pressure methods. 2. The metal clips will be disinfected with 75% alcohol spray. The metal clips only come into contact with the patient's ...

Is My Anxiety About Cleanliness Due to the Pandemic?

Hello, Doctor. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have developed a feeling that everything I touch or come into contact with is unclean, which makes me want to wash things, such as my clothes. I often feel the need to wash items or clothing that others have taken out, especia...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, netizen: 1. Is this overthinking and overreacting due to the pandemic? A: Indeed, many people (including you and me) have experienced varying degrees of anxiety due to the pandemic, which is a normal self-protective mechanism in animals. 2. Am I being too extreme in my...