Public library creates device to sanitize books through UV radiation

In the Indonesian Island of Java, a library has developed a mechanism to sterilize books using ultraviolet light. The device is called Dropbox and has the form of a filling cabinet, with six drawers that can fit 14 books each. Inside, there are 5 UV light bulbs that expose the books to the radiation that is able to disrupt the virus genetic material, effectively destroying it’s ability to replicate.

Inside the Dropbox, the books are subjected to a temperature of 40ºC for 24 hours and then exposed to the UV radiation for 10 minutes. The box is used for books that are returned to the library.

Fuad Zein Arifin, a representative from the Banyumas Library stated that “It’s our way to keep our visitors safe. Our concern is that books could transmit COVID-19 through direct contact or droplets that may fall on them.”

Although effective to destroy the virus, the system is behind tested to make sure that exposure to UV light does not damage the books.

Adapted from: https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2020/06/18/banyumas-library-uses-uv-...