Introduction

At SOS Charging Solutions our world revolves around two things...keeping mobile devices #chargedup and keeping people connected. Our people are event people and our sweet spot is being at the heart of a live event.

Prior to COVID, mobile devices were becoming increasingly included in the essential live event experience. Attendee engagement via event apps, gamification, push notifications, networking, and social media campaigns relied on guests to use their devices constantly. Having convenient and accessible device charging was as important as offering WiFi.

As we contemplate what events will look like post-COVID, mobile devices will be even more crucial to attendee engagement in a physically distanced environment. Phones and tablets will be the key to maintaining connection with fellow attendees who are in the room but physically distanced and with those that are attending the event virtually.

As leaders in the device charging space at events, we know that our customers are looking to us for guidance on how to make mobile device charging as safe and sanitary as possible. Our mobile devices go with us everywhere so it is not surprising that they are known to be a petri dish of bacteria and viruses. Our team knows that in a post-COVID world, attendees will be relying on their devices even more than they previously did. With that in mind, we need to have a plan in place to keep everyone safe, as well as connected. <COVID-19: Processes & Procedures>

Knowing that our event partners rely on our expertise and knowledge in this space, we have taken it upon ourselves to dig deep and truly understand the options available to disinfect devices and mitigate the threat of coronavirus. We are leading the way in educating our industry about clean charging.

So what is most effective against COVID-19?

In our research we came upon a study that looked at the effectiveness of two methods of disinfection on mobile phones used by dental professionals: UV light vs. 70% isopropyl alcohol1. The study concluded that both methods were effective at disinfection, with a similar percentage of reduction in microbes for both. Both ways reduce the amount of microbes, but do not kill all of them, so they’re both considered disinfectants.

To narrow down which method would work best for our charging applications, we looked at how they worked.

UV Irradiation

UV Irradiation sounds really cool and high tech enough to combat the tiny virus that’s brought the entire world to a screeching halt. UVC is the specific type of ultraviolet light used in devices that disinfect microorganisms. It’s stronger than the UV we get naturally from the sun and is acutely harmful to the eyes. A study from the Hokkaido University Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine2 showed that UVC has been successful at lowering the microbial load of coronaviruses similar to COVID, such as SARS-CoV-1, when used for 15 minutes. It works by interfering with the germ’s DNA structures and stopping it from being able to reproduce, effectively killing it. Despite what some companies claim, UVC devices do not sterilize (remember our definitions from earlier?). UV irradiation does not completely destroy all microorganisms on a surface, and actually can’t penetrate dirt, dust, or other organic matter like oils in order to kill everything completely.

Tldr; UVC is a super strong form of disinfecting light that effectively kills most germs after 15 minutes by attacking their DNA.But it can’t reach germs covered by dust/dirt, face oils, or caught in crevices.

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70% Isopropyl or Ethyl Alcohol

The CDC states that both isopropyl and ethyl alcohols are equally effective at killing bacteria, fungal, and viral microbes such as coronavirus3. In order to be considered an effective disinfectant, either kind of alcohol must be at a concentration of between 60%-80%. Too low and it’s not strong enough to kill anything, too high and the alcohol evaporates too quickly and doesn’t have enough contact time to kill.

The CDC’s disinfection guidelines include results of a study which shows 70% ethyl alcohol was effective against coronavirus after a 1-minute contact time4. Alcohol disinfectants work on coronaviruses by destroying the lipid membrane that protects the virus.

Tldr; alcohols in concentrations of 60%-80% are effective at disinfecting by destroying
the protective membrane around the virus with 1-minute contact time.

Are BOTH methods equally viable for clean charging at events?

Not really. There are a lot of companies racing to be the first to offer solutions that can help events organizers and attendees feel safer. The instinct for many is to lean towards the most high-tech sounding option that is available, or to choose the option with the most visual impact. But there are a few things to consider here.

UV Considerations:

In the Canadian Biosafety Standards Guidelines Handbook5, it is noted that the efficacy of UV irradiation can be adversely affected by several factors:

Irradiation is not effective if a microorganism is protected by dust, dirt, or organic matter
Oils from hands or fingers can block the UV light from being emitted creating “dead-spots”. They must be carefully cleaned regularly with a water and alcohol solution
UV irradiation is only effective to disinfect at specific intensities and wavelengths (listed in the handbook). Bulbs lose their intensity over time and with use. The device must be regularly tested to ensure it is operating at the effective levels.
UV-C light exposure is quickly damaging to the eye's retina, and there are some studies that indicate exposure can be damaging to human skin. As such, products must be designed and operated safely.

The International Ultraviolet Association6 indicates that they believe UVC is effective against coronaviruses, but suggests consumers select equipment carefully as there’s a lack of uniform performance and maintenance standards when it comes to commercially available products. Medical grade equipment must undergo third party testing and is much more strict.

Alcohol Considerations:

Alcohol is flammable and must be kept away from flames until completely evaporated and dry.
Alcohol can cause eye irritation if exposed.
Isopropyl and denatured ethyl alcohol should not be ingested, but it is mild enough to use on skin when diluted with purified water as it is in hand sanitizers and rubbing alcohol.

Practicality and Convenience:

For the purpose of charging a mobile phone and disinfecting with UVC a user would have to wipe off their device to rid it of dirt/dust/oils covering the virus first. Then let it sit in the UVC light for at least 15 minutes, per side. To get their device back and not recontaminate it, the user would have to clean their hands and the handle of the UVC chamber. The UVC disinfection device would have to be located near a power source, limiting its placement options in the venue, and potentially taking guests away from the heart of the event.

For the purpose of charging a mobile phone and disinfecting with 70% isopropyl alcohol, a user would open a new 70% alcohol disinfectant sheet, wipe their hands, device and charging cable for 1 minute until dry. Disinfecting everything all at once, without having to leave their table and conversation. The CDC’s recommendations for cleaning electronics is currently to use wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol7.

Cost:

Isopropyl alcohol is a well-known and relatively inexpensive product available to all consumers. UVC devices are a larger investment; both in purchasing the device initially, but also in on-going testing and maintenance, and transport. Higher costs get transferred on to the client.

Necessity:

The virus, and the disease it causes, is serious. Thankfully, the structure of the virus makes it one of the easiest types of virus to kill8. Health Canada explains that coronaviruses are “enveloped viruses”, meaning they have a lipid membrane that protects it. That membrane breaks down quickly when in contact with something as simple as soap - hence the constant reminder to wash our hands often! Alcohol kills the microbe in a similar way. High tech methods are not required which is why hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes have become so popular.

So What’s the Verdict?

After researching both Canadian and American national health information, international associations, journals, and studies, our recommendation is to keep it simple and effective by using alcohol disinfection. While UVC charging stations are currently on trend and may look sexy, we feel they offer a false sense of safety as they are only effective if used and maintained properly.

Until there’s more research and standardization of the available UVC devices, we feel confident in sticking to tried and true alcohol wipes with our products.

We will continue to do our research and share information and updates around clean charging at live events as it comes available.

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