The Role of Contaminated Surfaces and Environments in the Spread of Coronaviruses and Inactivation of Viruses with Disinfectant Agents

The emergence of a novel human coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe respiratory infections in humans, has become a global health concern. Our objective is to review information about sustainability and persistence of coronavirus on non-living surfaces and the efficiency of lethal factors to provide clear information for preventing the spread of COVID-19 disease. Research Method This study is a systematic review conducted by online browsing of national and international websites using the specialized keyword in the main search engines and collecting the results. Then the main sources related to the purpose of this article are identified, extracted and classified and finally analyzed. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted to the surfaces and the environment through respiratory droplets, suspended particulates in the air and the feces. After touching the contaminated surfaces, it is transmitted by self-inoculation in the nose, mouth, or eyes. It can remain infectious on stainless steel, glass and plastic surfaces for up 9 days. Some disinfectant agents like 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite significantly reduce the coronavirus infectivity within 1 min exposure time. In contrast, 0.2-0.05% benzalkonium or 0.02% chlorhexidine digluconate were less effective. The new COVID-19 disease has many vague points, and there is still no medicine and proper treatment for it. Standard surveillance, prevent and control plans have an important role in fighting the virus. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is disinfection of surfaces and the environment.