The death toll and new cases of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) are mounting every day surpassing its previous record. The medical science is still continuing research for vaccine. Who knows when  life would return to its normal pace? Now the ‘new normal life’ is disinfecting hands, wearing mask, and maintaining social distancing. However, for livelihood and other emergency purposes many people might need to stay outside home for long hours. To say safe both inside and outside home, it is essential to know how long does coronavirus live on different surfaces and air.

 

How Long Does Corona Virus Last on Different Surfaces?

Stainless steel

-              Example: Cooking pots, cooking pans, cutlery, sinks, metal handrails, steel water bottles, keys, door knobs, door handles, refrigerators, industrial equipment, etc.

-              Survival Period: 2 to 3 days. According to Lancet article, corona virus can survive up to 7 days.

Copper

-              Example: Coins, teakettles, cookware, jewelry, electrical wires, etc.

-              Survival Period: 4 Hours.

Read: COVID-19 vs. Cold vs. Flu: What is the difference?

Wood

-              Example: Furniture, decking, tabletops, shelves, sport equipment, etc.

-              Survival Period: 2 to 4 days

Collected from tbsnews.net

Plastics

-              Example: Food packaging, water bottles, milk containers, detergent bottles, subway seats, bus seats, backpacks, elevator buttons, credit cards, remote controls, video game controllers, light switches, computer keyboards, Computer mouse, ATM buttons, toys, etc.

-              Survival Period: 2 to 3 days. According to Lancet article, corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) can survive up to 7 days.

Cardboard

-              Example: Furniture, shipping boxes, food packaging, etc.

-              Survival Period: 24 hours.

Read: How to Handle Your Coronavirus Anxiety during Home Quarantine?

Aluminum

-              Examples: Food packaging, soda cans, tinfoil, water bottles, etc.

-              Survival Period: 2 to 8 hours 

Glass

-              Examples: Drinking glasses, measuring cups, mirrors, windows, doors, walls, furniture, TV screen, computer screen, Smartphone screen, etc.

-              Survival period: 4 to 5 days

Ceramics

-              Examples: Dishes, pottery, mugs, etc.

-              Survival Period: 5 days

Paper

-              Examples: Mail, paper money, letters, stationery, magazines, newspapers, tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.

-              Survival Period: 3 hours to 5 days.

Read Essential Hygiene Practices to Prevent Coronavirus Contamination.

Fabrics

-              Examples: Different kind of fabrics, clothes, and linens.

-              Survival Period: According to Lancet article, the new corona virus can survive up to 2 days.

Skin and hair

-              Examples: Skin and Hair.

-              Survival Period: No research has done yet. But Rhinoviruses – responsible for colds – can survive for hours.

 

How Long Corona Virus Can Survive on Air?

When a COVID19 infected person coughs for a single time, this action can spread up to 3,000 droplets of corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) in the surrounding air. It is estimated that the airborne droplets can carry active and possibly infectious Corona Virus for about three hours. These Corona Virus droplets can be spread from one person to another if those people stay in close contact measuring less than two meters.

Read: How to Use ACs (Air Conditioners) Safely Amid COVID19 Pandemic?

However, if an individual comes in contact with surfaces upon which the Corona Virus droplets have landed and haven’t been disinfected yet, then that person may get infected by COVID19. Furthermore, the droplets of corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) can also spread in the air through the actions of exhaling and speaking.

Can Temperature and Humidity Influence the Corona Virus?

The survival period of Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2 can definitely be affected by factors like temperature and humidity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the new corona virus can survive only for a shorter period at higher temperatures and humidity levels. It is found that the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) remains highly active at 4°C Celsius (about 39°F). On the other hand, it becomes rapidly inactivated at 70°C (158°F).

Read: Post Lockdown Safety Precautions to Prevent COVID19 Contraction.

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Amid coronavirus pandemic situation health-experts are advising people to consume vitamin C. In our country lemon is one of the most available  sources of vitamin-C. Do you throw away lemon peels after extracting the juice? You may not do this practice knowing what lemon peel can do for your health and skin . Interestingly, lemon peel is full of nutrients which can strengthen your immune system and prevent many diseases. What’s more, lemon peels offer versatile uses for skin-care, and diverse house hold applications. Read this article to know the benefits and uses of lemon.                

Benefits of Eating Lemon Peel

Provides Nutrients

Like the lemon juice, the peels of Lemon are rich in vitamins such as calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and beta-carotene. In fact, lemon peels can deliver about 5 to 10 times more nutrients than lemon juice. About 100 grams of lemon peels are enriched with 134 mg of Calcium, 160 mg of Potassium, 129 mg of vitamin C, and 10.6 grams of fiber.

Strengthens Bones

The vitamin C and calcium can strengthen and improve the health of your bones. These nutrients can also prevent diseases like inflammatory poly arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Prevents fungal and bacterial infections

The antibacterial properties of Vitamin C can eliminate the interior worms and parasites living inside your intestines. These properties can protect different organs of your body from diverse fungal and/or bacterial infections.

Prevents Cancer

Likewise the lemon juice, lemon peels are rich source of citrus bioflavonoid which can contribute significantly in reducing your oxidative stress levels. What is more? Making the inside environment of your body alkaline, lemon peels can prevent cancer. You may know that Cancer cells tend to grow in the acidic environments. In addition to these, the lemon peels carry properties like limonene and salvestrol Q40 that fights against the growth of cancerous cells inside your body.

How to Eat Lemon Peel?

You can freeze the lemon peels and grate them finely to prepare lemon peel powder. Another easy way is baking the lemon peels at 200 degree Fahrenheit using an oven and crushing the baked peels into powder. Lemon peel powder can be consumed in diverse forms. You can add the sprinkles of lemon peel powder to your meals, drinks, organic tea, and soups. 

Read Coronavirus Tips: Immunity Booster Herbal Teas to Prevent Infection

How Much Lemon Peel is Safe to Consume?

Lemon peel is a great source of oxalates. Consuming more than 80 mg of oxalates can create stones in kidney and gallbladder. 1 teaspoon of lemon peels may contain about 25 mg of oxalates. Therefore, the maximum limit of lemon peel intake should be not over 3 teaspoons per day.

Read Vitamin C: Where to Found and How Much to Consume.

 

Uses of Lemon Peel for Skin Care

Skin Brightening Body Scrub

Grind a handful of lemon peels into paste. Then mix the paste with 1/2 cup of sugar. Then, add a few drops of Olive oil considering your skin type. Dry skins would need more oil than oily skin type. After creating the mixture, apply it gently on wet skin through circular motions. Now rinse of your face with clean normal water. This scrub will exfoliate the dead skin-cells making the skin look brighter. This lemon peel scrub is also helpful to soften dry elbows. You can apply lemon peel scrub once a week.

Exfoliating Face Mask

Mix about 2 table spoons of the rice flour with a pinch of lemon peel powder. Now add cold milk to this mix until it turns into thick paste. Now spread this paste evenly on the wet skin of your face to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Leave the mask for 15 minutes. Then wash your face properly with clean normal water. This lemon peel face pack would rejuvenate your skin-cells.

Read DIY Honey Face Mask Recipe to Get a Glowing Skin in Quarantine.

Treating Cracked Feet

Grate about 1 cup of lemon peels into a powder. Then add petroleum jelly to the powder to make a paste like mixture. Now apply this paste on the cracked areas of your feet. After that put on your socks and leave the paste for several hours. After washing, the skin your feet will feel softer and look healthier.

Treating Fungal Infection on Feet

Boil about 3 cups of lemon peels into 6 to 7 cups of water for about half an hour. Strain the boiled water into a bowl. Add milk, or olive oil to this liquid. Now apply this combination as a foot bath for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse your feet with normal water and use moisturizer. Regular lemon peel foot bath will remove the infections effectively.

Whitening Nails

Are you suffering from nail discoloration issue? Grind a handful of lemon peels into a paste. Apply this fusion to your discolored nails and leave it on for several minutes. Then, rinse the nails with normal water. This treatment would help your nails getting back their natural color.

Read: Easy Homemade Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat and Increase Immunity.

 

Lemon Peel for Household Use

All-Purpose Cleaner

You can use Lemon peel as a cleaner to disinfect your furniture, floors and other sections of your house. First boil lemon peels and drain the water. Now, mix vinegar or baking soda with the water to prepare a non-toxic DIY cleaner.

The chemical properties contained by lemon peels have the potency to get rid of stubborn stains of mineral, tea/coffee, and spice from kettle rings, coffee/tea mugs, and utensils. The stimulating citrus scent would be a bonus of using this lemon peel based all-purpose cleaner.

Deodorizer

Lemon peels can absorb bad odors often created inside fridge, closed drawer, trash can, etc. The magic of lemon peels can also help you in cleaning your microwaves, cutting board, and other utensils. Just put a few lemon peels into bowl full of water. Then, keep the bowl inside your microwave for several minutes. It will deodorize the inner odor of microwave leaving a refreshing smell. To disinfect cutting board, rub it with the mixture of grated lemon peel and salt. You will get a fresh smell after washing.

Read How to Shop and Disinfect Groceries Safely during COVID19 Pandemic.

Room Freshener

Using lemon peels you can prepare a homemade all-natural room freshener. Mix lemon peel with dried flowers, and essential oils. Now put this citrus-scented concoction in a clean spray bottle. Thus you can keep your home scented all time without spending money.

Read Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution of Home/Office.

Insect Repellent

Lemon peels can be a cost-effective alternative to kill insects in your home. It is found that bugs, especially, ants, cockroaches, etc hate the smell of lemon. So, you can keep lemon peels inside the nook and corner of your home like bookshelves, cupboard, kitchen shelves, store room, etc. You can also apply lemon peel to save your skin from insects like mosquitoes. Unlike lemon juice the peel extracts won’t hurt your skin and keep the pest away.

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The destructive effect of COVID-19 outbreak is still continuing. On the other hand, the summer heat waves are worsening people’s health conditions. In this scorching heat it is quite annoying to stay inside large commercial places, industries, offices and even homes. However, many people are asking whether using Air Conditioners (ACs) during COVID19 pandemic is safe. For several months debates are going on this issue among scientists, engineers, authorities and general people. However, let’s discuss some guidelines about how to use ACs (Air Conditioners) safely amid COVID19 pandemic.

Guidelines for Operating ACs during COVID19 Pandemic

Considering the climate of Sub-continent countries, ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) has recommended some guidelines regarding how to run air conditioners safely during the coronavirus pandemic. These suggestions can be helpful for operating ACs in different commercial and industrial places in Bangladesh.

Set Temperatures and Humidity Properly:

What would be the ideal air conditioner temperature for your room during the COVID19 pandemic? According to the recommendation of ISHRAE and CPWD, for any home-run AC, like Room AC, Split AC or Window AC, the temperature level of should be kept within the range of 24 to 30 degrees centigrade.

In addition to this, ISHRAE emphasizes to maintain the relative humidity of indoor environment. You can easily check the humidity of your surrounding ambient through downloading any ‘Weather App’ on your Smartphone.  The ISHRAE guideline says that the humidity of an indoor environment should rest between 40 and 70 percent.

Therefore, if you are living in humid climate, then you need to keep the AC on ‘cool’ mode and set the temperature closer to or at 24 degree centigrade. On the other hand, when you are staying in a dry climate area, then you must set the temperature close to or at 30 degree centigrade.

Read: Best Air Purifying Plants to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution of Home/Office.

Apply Electric Fan

ISHRAE report states that when we breathe dry air, the mucous membrane of our lungs becomes dry. It thickens the fluid over lining of the cells, and hampers the actions of cilia – the little hairs which protect the lungs from deep settling of harmful and non-harmful particles. As a result, the alien particles can settle more deeply inside our lungs.

To prevent such mishaps in the dry climate zones, ISHRAE suggests running electric fans to enhance the air circulation while AC is operating. You can also apply exhausting electric fans which will push the hot air outside the room. However, you need to clean the fan blades frequently to keep the indoor air clean.

Ensure Proper Ventilation:       

What precautions should be taken while using ACs? Instead of allowing recirculation of the same air inside an indoor space, ISHRAE also suggest keeping the windows slightly open to let the fresh outdoor air enter the room.

When you are staying in a room, keep the opposite-facing window and door slightly open to promote cross-circulation of fresh cool air. Though opening a window or door – while running AC – might lose some cool air and cost you more electric bill at month-end, it can help to keep the indoor air fresher.

Read: Are Smokers More Vulnerable to COVID19?

Fit Filter in Your AC:

What precautions should be taken when you are using an evaporative cooler or dessert cooler? To combat the soaring temperatures, you can fit in an air filter in an evaporative cooler in order to keep the dust away and preserving hygiene of the indoor environment. However, make sure that your cooler is capable of drawing outdoor air efficiently to assist proper ventilation. The opposite-facing windows and doors must be kept open slightly to reduce humidity.

Besides, evaporative cooler, other type ACs must be fitted with filters. The ISHRAE guideline recommends cleaning and disinfecting the air cooler on a regular basis. More importantly, the released water must be drained and refilled frequently. The routine servicing of AC is also necessary to avoid any malfunction.

And, the opposite-facing windows must be kept open to ensure proper ventilation. ISHRAE guideline discourages people to use the portable air coolers that can’t draw fresh air from the outdoor environment.

Read: Post Lockdown Safety Precautions to Prevent COVID19 Contraction

 

Bottom Line

According to the views of engineers and health-experts, using the window air conditioners at residential setting can be safe if the people who share the space with don’t carry corona virus. However, problem may arise when you are staying in a building which uses central cooling. If one infected person stays inside the building, the central air cooler poses a high risk of spreading the corona virus to other people staying there unless adequate precautions – such as, outdoor air ventilation, temperature and humidity control, AC filtering procedures, etc – are taken properly. These central air conditioning systems are widely used in shopping malls, government offices, hospitals, corporate workplaces, industries, etc. So think before you enter those places!

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Vitamin C is one of the most essential nutrients for human-body. During the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic many health experts are advising people to consume Vitamin C every day. The recommended Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C for an adult is about 90 mg for male and 75mg for female per day. However, a breastfeeding mother requires an extra 30 mg and an individual who consumes tobacco needs an extra 35 mg per day. You can easily consume the required amount of Vitamin-C through eating variety of fruits, nuts and vegetables. Read this article to know the benefits and food sources of vitamin C.  

Benefits of Vitamin C

Improves the Immunity System

As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C tries to protect the body-cells from getting damaged by free radicals which are usually developed from air pollution, tobacco smoke, excessive sunlight, regular process of metabolism, etc. Free radicals accelerate rapid ageing and enhance the risk of various diseases like cancer, heart disease, etc. It also involves with a number of biochemical processes, which boosts up immunity. 

The vitamin C promotes the movement of the immune cells called phagocytes which can “swallow” destructive bacteria and other particles. Furthermore, it supports the formation and spread of another kind of immune cells called lymphocytes, which contributes to increase the process of proteins and antibody circulation, which can attack and kill harmful as well as foreign substances in your blood-flow.

Read: Coronavirus Tips: Immunity Booster Herbal Teas to Prevent Infection.

Some studies found that vitamin C may help an individual to recover from colds faster and restricts the level of symptoms at mild or less severe stage. Some case studies in humans revealed that vitamin C can decrease lung inflammation and treat severe respiratory diseases caused by H1N1 (“swine flu”) or other kinds of viruses.

Contributes in Collagen Formation

Vitamin C plays a great role in the process of Collagen synthesis which contributes to the growth of new tissues. Collagen also forms connective tissues of diverse organs like muscles, gums, blood vessels, bones, cartilage, etc. In addition to this, Collagen formation makes the skin healthy and promotes the healing process of cuts and wounds.

Improves Iron Absorption

Iron is a vital nutrient that plays diverse essential functions in the human-body. It is necessary for production of red blood cells and transportation of oxygen to cells throughout different organs of the body.

If you are suffering from anemia, or iron deficiency, add Vitamin-C enriched foods and Vegetables to your regular diet. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of non-heme iron contained by plant based sources like vegetables, fruits and nuts. 

Read: Where to Buy Grocery Online in Dhaka during Quarantine?

 

Plant Based Sources of Vitamin C:

Chili Peppers (Morich)

Per 100g of Green chili peppers can deliver about 242 mg of vitamin C. One piece of green chili pepper includes about 109 mg (121% of DV) of vitamin C, while one piece of red chili pepper contains 65 mg (72% of DV).

Chili pepper is a rich source of capsaicin. Though Capsaicin is responsible the Chili’s unique hot taste, this compound can contribute in lessening pain and inflammation. Furthermore, Evidence shows 10g of red chili powder can increase the process of fat burning.

Parsley (Dhone Pata)

Per 100g amount of Parsley contains about 133 mg of vitamin C. 2 Tbsp (8g) of fresh parsley contains about 10 mg (11% of DV) of vitamin C. The leafy green vegetable parsley is a great source of plant-based non-heme iron dietary iron.

Vitamin C enriched Papaya consumption can boost up the absorption process of non-heme iron which can prevent and cure iron-deficiency anemia.  In a study, people were given vegetarian diet containing 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day for two months. The result found increase of iron level by 17%, hemoglobin by 8%, ferritin by 12%.

Read: How to Shop and Disinfect Groceries Safely during COVID19 Pandemic.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a green cruciferous vegetable. Per 100g amount of Broccoli contains about 89 mg of vitamin C. One-half cup amount of cooked broccoli can provide about 51 mg of vitamin C (57% of DV). Researches show that a regular consumption of vitamin-C enriched Broccoli can lower oxidative stress, cuts down the risk of cancer, heart disease, and improves immunity.

A study reveals that 27 heavy smokers were served with 250-gram steamed broccoli (146 mg of vitamin C) every day. After 10 days, 48% decrease was found in their inflammatory reacting compound. Therefore, regular consumption of broccoli may reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases.

Lemons

Per 100g amount of Lemon delivers about 77mg of Vitamin-C. One whole raw lemon including skin contains about 83 mg (92% of DV) of vitamin C. 

The vitamin C in lemon juice also acts as an antioxidant, which can neutralize unstable compounds (free radicals) from your body and prevents cellular damage.

Lychees

100g amount of Lychee contains about 72 mg of vitamin C. One single lychee contains about 7g (7.5% of DV) of vitamin C, while one-cup of Lychee servings can provide about 151% of DV on average.

This summer fruit contains plenty of vitamin C, which contributes in collagen synthesis and benefits the health of blood vessels. Moreover, Lychees are enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid compounds, which can improve your brain activities, heart functions and blood circulations. 

A study found over 196,000 people found that participants who consumed maximum concentration of vitamin C intakes experienced about 42% reduced risk of stroke. 

Read: Easy Homemade Summer Drinks to Beat the Heat and Increase Immunity.

Papayas

100g servings of Papaya can deliver about 62 mg Vitamin-C. One cup (145 grams) of papaya contains about 87 mg (97% of DV) of vitamin C.

In a study, 20 mild-Alzheimer patients were given a concentrated papaya juice for a period of 6 months. The results discovered about 40% decrease in oxidative stress with reduced level of inflammation. So, regular consumption of Papaya may improve your memory and result into anti-inflammatory effects.

Oranges

100g servings of Orange provide about 53g of Vitamin-C. One medium-sized orange can deliver about 70 mg (78% of DV) of vitamin C.

In simple words, the citrus food orange can cover the lion’s share of dietary vitamin C intake. The antioxidant activity of Vitamin-C can reduce inflammation and boost up your immune function.

Others

Besides the afore mentioned fruits and vegetables, Vitamin C can be found in many other food sources like, Guava, Strawberries, Kiwi fruit, Thyme, Mustard Spinach, Kale, American Persimmons, Brussels Sprouts, Tomatoes, Blackcurrants, Rose Hip, Kakadu Plums, Acerola Cherries, etc.

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