Building parameters linked with indoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Environ Res. 2023 Sep 15:117156. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117156. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe rapid spread of Coronavirus Disease (2019)(COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emphasized the importance of understanding and adapting to the indoor remediation of transmissible diseases to decrease the risk for future pandemic threats. While there were many precautions in place to hinder the spread of COVID-19, there has also been a substantial increase of new research on SARS-CoV-2 that can be utilized to further mitigate the transmission risk of this novel virus. This review paper aims to identify the building parameters of indoor spaces that could have considerable influence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The following building parameters have been identified and analyzed, emphasizing their link with the indoor transmission of SARS-CoV-2: temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, occupant density, surface finish, HVAC systems, filtration, space compartmentalization, airflow, and air quality. Based on these parameters, it is possible to develop the appropriate remediation tools needed to decrease the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 inside occupied buildings. Furthermore, the modifications of the key building parameters have been discussed for controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces. Understanding the information provided in this paper is crucial to develop effective health and safety measures tha...
Source: Environmental Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: research