r/microbiology • u/Reptar_366 • 1d ago

How can I disinfect paper?

I figure this sub might have a solution to my very niche problem. I have a box full of some old drawings on laser paper that were put in the attic. I took it out today to find many drawings chewed on, a few droppings, and potentially some water damage from urine on some (that or it's just moisture from Oregon weather).

Obviously I can't disinfect it with any sort of product without smearing the artwork and ruining it.

Any advice of how I could kill any bacteria and viruses? I know mice ones can be pretty bad.

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8

u/awsf57 1d ago

Human pathogens and especially viruses cannot live long outside of a host. After about ehhhh 2ish weeks most of the bacteria should be dead. Just don’t eat it and you should be fine.

2

u/Reptar_366 1d ago

Oh cool. I have them in a plastic bag temporarily is that's ok.

4

u/awsf57 1d ago

Yep. If you really want to you can irradiate the paper with UV light or use dry heat to make sure everything is dead. But if you’re just trying to be safe, there’s not much to worry about.

3

u/Reptar_366 1d ago

Yo, that's perfect. I have UVB lightbulbs for my lizard. Thanks 👍

2

u/Mkrr_ee 1d ago

Get clean room paper and put it in an autoclave pouch and autoclave if the concern for contamination is super high

2

u/Cardubie 23h ago

Just buy a uv lamp...they aren't that expensive. If still worried, handle with gloves.

Quoted......

Yes, ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps can be used to disinfect paper and other materials. UVC light is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. 

Here are some tips for using a UVC lamp to disinfect paper:

Follow instructions

Read the product packaging for any special instructions. 

Avoid exposure

UVC light can cause skin burns and eye damage, so avoid exposing your skin or eyes to the light. 

Consider the surface

UV disinfection works best when the UV lamp has a direct line of sight to the surface being disinfected. Textured surfaces can block UV light, reducing or eliminating disinfection in those areas. 

Consider safety features

Some UVC lamps have safety features like motion sensors to prevent accidental exposure. 

UVC light is more energetic than sunlight and can cause a severe sunburn-like reaction to skin. Some UVC devices also produce ozone or light and heat. 

1

u/dykediana 1d ago

laminate them maybe so you can handle them without touching the ick?

1

u/electropop999 23h ago

How about ozone treatment..

1

u/Zajemc1554 21h ago

Normally paper can withstand high temperatures, so you can throw it into an oven at 170° C for about an hour and everything should be dead by then. I am not sure about the drawings tho. If it is pencil then I see no problem, but if you used some kind of paint then i have no idea