Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Oct 26, 2024 2:46:06 GMT
Portable air cleaners and residential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 aerosols: A real-world study - Published April 19, 2024
Abstract
Individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization are instructed to self-isolate in their residences. Due to high secondary infection rates in household members, there is a need to understand airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within residences. We report the first naturalistic intervention study suggesting a reduction of such transmission risk using portable air cleaners (PACs) with HEPA filters. Seventeen individuals with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection completed this single-blind, crossover, randomized study. Total and size-fractionated aerosol samples were collected simultaneously in the self-isolation room with the PAC (primary) and another room (secondary) for two consecutive 24-h periods, one period with HEPA filtration and the other with the filter removed (sham). Seven out of sixteen (44%) air samples in primary rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the sham period. With the PAC operated at its lowest setting (clean air delivery rate [CADR] = 263 cfm) to minimize noise, positive aerosol samples decreased to four out of sixteen residences (25%; p = 0.229). A slight decrease in positive aerosol samples was also observed in the secondary room. As the world confronts both new variants and limited vaccination rates, our study supports this practical intervention to reduce the presence of viral aerosols in a real-world setting.
Practical Implications
~SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in aerosol samples collected in residences, further strengthening the thesis that the airborne transmission route is key for COVID-19 spread and deserves attention.
~Interventions in residences such as the use of portable air cleaners should be considered to reduce airborne viral levels and thus transmission of COVID-19.
~Lower viral loads in saliva samples (higher Ct values) are associated with a reduced probability of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air.
~The presence of respiratory (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat) and gastrointestinal symptoms may inform the likelihood of airborne transmission and direct preventive measures.
Abstract
Individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization are instructed to self-isolate in their residences. Due to high secondary infection rates in household members, there is a need to understand airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within residences. We report the first naturalistic intervention study suggesting a reduction of such transmission risk using portable air cleaners (PACs) with HEPA filters. Seventeen individuals with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection completed this single-blind, crossover, randomized study. Total and size-fractionated aerosol samples were collected simultaneously in the self-isolation room with the PAC (primary) and another room (secondary) for two consecutive 24-h periods, one period with HEPA filtration and the other with the filter removed (sham). Seven out of sixteen (44%) air samples in primary rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the sham period. With the PAC operated at its lowest setting (clean air delivery rate [CADR] = 263 cfm) to minimize noise, positive aerosol samples decreased to four out of sixteen residences (25%; p = 0.229). A slight decrease in positive aerosol samples was also observed in the secondary room. As the world confronts both new variants and limited vaccination rates, our study supports this practical intervention to reduce the presence of viral aerosols in a real-world setting.
Practical Implications
~SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in aerosol samples collected in residences, further strengthening the thesis that the airborne transmission route is key for COVID-19 spread and deserves attention.
~Interventions in residences such as the use of portable air cleaners should be considered to reduce airborne viral levels and thus transmission of COVID-19.
~Lower viral loads in saliva samples (higher Ct values) are associated with a reduced probability of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the air.
~The presence of respiratory (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat) and gastrointestinal symptoms may inform the likelihood of airborne transmission and direct preventive measures.