The global health-threatening crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), highlights the scientific and engineering potentials of applying ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technologies for biocontaminated air and surfaces as the major media for disease transmission. Nowadays, various environmental public settings worldwide, from hospitals and health care facilities to shopping malls and airports, are considering implementation of UV disinfection devices for disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and circulating air streams. Moreover, the general public utilizes UV sterilization devices for various surfaces, from doorknobs and keypads to personal protective equipment, or air purification devices with an integrated UV disinfection technology. However, limited understanding of critical UV disinfection aspects can lead to improper use of this promising technology. In this work, fundamentals of UV disinfection phenomena are addressed; furthermore, the essential parameters and protocols to guarantee the efficacy of the UV sterilization process in a human-safe manner are systematically elaborated. In addition, the latest updates from the open literature on UV dose requirements for incremental log removal of SARS-CoV-2 are reviewed remarking the advancements and existing knowledge gaps. This study, along with the provided illustrations, will play an essential role in the design and fabrication of effective, reliable, and safe UV disinfection systems applicable to preventing viral contagion in the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as potential future epidemics.

中文翻译：

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针对 COVID-19 爆发的紫外线消毒系统的严格审查：适用性、验证和安全性考虑因素

由严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 引起的新型冠状病毒肺炎 (COVID-19) 疫情威胁全球健康，凸显了应用紫外线 (UV) 消毒技术处理生物污染的空气和表面的科学和工程潜力，疾病传播的主要媒介。如今，世界各地的各种环境公共场所，从医院和医疗机构到购物中心和机场，都在考虑安装紫外线消毒装置，对经常接触的表面和循环气流进行消毒。此外，公众对各种表面使用紫外线消毒设备，从门把手和键盘到个人防护设备，或具有集成紫外线消毒技术的空气净化设备。然而，对关键紫外线消毒方面的了解有限可能会导致这种有前途的技术的不当使用。在这项工作中，解决了紫外线消毒现象的基本原理；此外，还系统地阐述了确保紫外线灭菌过程对人体安全的有效性的基本参数和协议。此外，还回顾了公开文献中关于增量对数去除 SARS-CoV-2 的紫外线剂量要求的最新更新，指出了进展和现有知识差距。这项研究以及提供的插图将在设计和制造有效、可靠和安全的紫外线消毒系统方面发挥重要作用，该系统适用于预防当前 COVID-19 大流行以及未来潜在流行病中的病毒传染。