Why does SARS-CoV-2 survive longer on plastic than on paper?

Authors :: Corpet DE
Source :: Medical hypotheses [Med Hypotheses] 2021 Jan; Vol. 146, pp. 110429. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Nov 28.
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: The Covid-19 coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is inactivated much faster on paper (3 h) than on plastic (7 d). By classifying materials according to virus stability on their surface, the following list is obtained (from long to short stability): polypropylene (mask), plastic, glass, stainless steel, pig skin, cardboard, banknote, cotton, wood, paper, tissue, copper. These observations and other studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may be inactivated by dryness on water absorbent porous materials but sheltered by long-persisting micro-droplets of water on waterproof surfaces. If such physical phenomenons were confirmed by direct evidence, the persistence of the virus on any surface could be predicted, and new porous objects could be designed to eliminate the virus faster.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)