CDC
Is exposure to sunlight an effective means of disinfecting materials contaminated with hantavirus? If so, how long of an exposure is recommended?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a very effective way to kill viruses under certain circumstances. Sunlight produces high intensities of UV and finely dispersed aerosols of the kind that infect humans are readily penetrated by the light. Virus inactivation has never been measured under those circumstances, but it must be very rapid.
However, the UV light must penetrate to the virus particle. One reason why the interior of structures may be dangerous is that the reflected white light from outside will not contain sufficient UV. Similarly, solids or liquids provide a challenge to UV penetration.
We also don’t recommend UV lights for disinfection because of the considerations above, the difficulties in assuring continued strength of the radiation at the site for disinfection, and possible health effects.
Dr. C. J. Peters, Special Pathogens Branch, CDC.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome Clinical Update, 1999 Satellite Conference (A CDC/Public Health Training Network Satellite Broadcast, May 27, 1999)