Even if the UV doesn't kill the virus, a mask on hot dashboard in the sun would not be hospitable for the virus due to the temperature. Might not be an instant kill but doesn't seem like an environment where it would live very long, as it doesn't seem to do well on paper or porous surfaces to begin with. Virus seems to live longest on nonporous, hard surfaces such as plastic, metal, glass, etc. Copper being an exception for some reason.
If you're concerned about it, put the mask in a 200 degree oven for 15 minutes or so. Don't go too hot or you'll ruin the elastic. If you're using a bandana type of face cover, just launder it. Allan Max Dillon via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com> writes: > That's an interesting question. I know that most plastics will filter out the > UV. > > Max Dillon > Charleston SC > > > Apr 22, 2020 1:40:42 PM Jerry Herrman via Mercedes <mercedes@okiebenz.com>: > >> I did not know where to get this question answered so I decided to submit it >> to the boys at The Mercedes Digest. Somebody there surely knows the >> answer. After all, it is an automotive question, right? >> >> After wearing my COVID face mask in the car, I leave it on the dashboard so >> the sun's rays have an opportunity to kill any harmful microbes that may be >> present. Which brings up the question of whether or not the ultraviolet >> rays can penetrate glass, specifically automotive windshield glass. It is my >> understanding that to kill microbes, a wavelength of 254 nanometers is >> necessary, most of which doesn't make it to earth. So is this a useful >> practice or a fool's errand? >> >> Jerry >> >> 1982 240D >> _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
