Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: nudephil on 23/04/2020 16:29:27

Title: Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?
Post by: nudephil on 23/04/2020 16:29:27

Darren sent us this question:

Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?

Could this system be used for keypads or touchscreens in places like McDonalds, or information boards in airports/shopping centres etc? This would mean the surfaces are sterilised, and might negate or supplement the use of hand sanitiser.

Any thoughts? 

Title: Re: Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?
Post by: alancalverd on 23/04/2020 23:37:35

Yes and no. You can indeed use UVC to sterilise surfaces but this is strictly for factory, laboratory or ward use under control with everyone wearing protective clothing and UV-blocking face masks - UVC fries pretty well any living matter!

Title: Re: Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?
Post by: set fair on 24/04/2020 22:23:24

You can attach a paper clip to a cigarette lighter to press buttons, using the flame to sterilise the paper clip each time you have used it.

Title: Re: Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?
Post by: alancalverd on 24/04/2020 23:10:16

Pretty neat way to destroy a touch screen!

Title: Re: Can UV light be used to backlight and sterilise keypads?
Post by: set fair on 25/04/2020 12:21:39

Quote from: alancalverd on 24/04/2020 23:10:16

Pretty neat way to destroy a touch screen!

: )