Manufacturer Airlite commissioned researchers at University College London (UCL) to test its paint.

They found it killed a range of viruses including human coronavirus NL63 after just 15 minutes of contact.

Airlite bosses also believe the paint will kill the SARS-CoV-2 2019 strain which causes Covid-19 but there are currently restrictions on carrying-out tests for that.

Bouygues is using the paint which is also anti-bacterial and anti-mould and actively purifies the air of pollutants and odours.

Developer Grosvenor has also adopted Airlite as its preferred paint.

Chris Leighton, Managing Director UK of Airlite, said: “We have created a simple solution that is scientifically proven to eradicate so many of today’s problems.

“Previously, paint was solely decorative, but now, it can play an active role in your health.

“We had already proven Airlite’s effectiveness in killing viruses and now UCL has found it is just as powerful at destroying coronavirus NL63.

“Instead of buying a bulky air-purifier, Airlite can do all of that for you – whilst also helping to combat viruses such as the coronavirus.

“We are very confident of our paint’s effectiveness against COVID-19; we know the technology works and it has proven to be effective against a virus of the same family”