UK firm finds its anti-weed tech actually kills Covid-19 in under 10 seconds

  • UK-based firm Weedingtech has found that its environmentally friendly weed-killing technology can kill the Covid-19 virus in under 10 seconds.

    While the majority of Covid-19 transmission occurs from person-to-person through exhaled droplets, it's known that the virus could remain on surfaces for days. Several cities around the world have been disinfecting streets and public areas to ensure the virus is not being transmitted by contact, but there have been concerns that the disinfectant chemicals could be harmful to the environment.

    UK tech firm Weedingtech has discovered that its anti-weed technology Foamstream actually kills the Covid-19 virus as well as weeds. It had the results verified by an independent lab, which confirmed that it killed the Covid-19 particles in under 10 seconds, and it does it without environmentally hazardous detergents.

    Foamstream functions like a hose or pressure washer but delivers the water at near boiling point, and with an additive that creates a foam layer over the hot water. This traps in the heat and gives enough time for it to transfer into the roots of weeds and kill them, and it's that same heat-based approach that destroys the lipid layer that the coronavirus needs to infect people.

    The additive is made from a combination of rapeseed and coconut oils and sugars derived from wheat, potato, and maize, so runoff from disinfecting large areas shouldn't have a harmful impact on the environment. The technology is already used by councils around the world to clean public areas of weeds and algae buildup, and its creators can now confirm that the cleaned area will be covid-free.

    Weedingtech CEO Leo de Montaignac commented on the find: "We began exploring other uses for the technology beyond weed control last year, including the elimination of viruses – something which is now more crucial than ever. As lockdown restrictions relax and children return to school and people enjoy public outdoor places again, it is vital they are safe. Foamstream can help by destroying coronavirus particles, preventing their transmission, and giving peace of mind to millions across the UK and many more around the world."

    The company hopes to deploy the technology in any location that needs regular disinfection, from sports stadiums and bus shelters to school playgrounds, public parks, and outdoor gyms. As the technology works using heat and the formula is safe for wildlife, it can be used without the need for safety barricades or special consideration for local wildlife.

    Source: Written based on press release

    About the author

    Brendan is a Sync NI writer with a special interest in the gaming sector, programming, emerging technology, and physics. To connect with Brendan, feel free to send him an email or follow him on Twitter.

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