In this blog post, PROTECT NCS researchers Professor Cath Noakes and Alan Beswick discuss how HEPA filter based air cleaners can reduce transmission of respiratory infections. As we enter the coldest months of the year the combination of cooler, damper weather will...
The benefits of ventilation are greatest in rooms where people spend more time together (>30 min).In many buildings the air distribution in rooms is poor, and stagnant spaces may create zones of higher risk.There is evidence from several studies that air movement...
Although there is no “safe” ventilation rate to prevent the spread of pathogens altogether, ventilation that maintains lower CO2 levels (under 800ppm) is considered a lower risk environment. High CO2 levels (routinely above 1500ppm) are often a sign of poor...
If you are responsible for managing workplace buildings, it would be useful to provide information about how rooms are ventilated, and reassurance around how systems are checked and maintained. Surveys of employees and business owners carried out during the PROTECT...
While there are no specifications for infection control, there are principles you can follow to reduce risks:Ensuring that the system provides sufficient fresh air ventilation for the occupants.Ensuring that the system is regularly maintained and that there is a...
Some mechanical ventilation systems recirculate part of the air in the room. This can increase risks of exposure to respiratory viruses unless the system has devices to remove pathogens such as high-grade filters or UV light. Related Contact...
Ventilation is not the same as air conditioning. In some buildings mechanical ventilation systems also provide heat and cooling, but in others stand-alone air-conditioning units are installed to cool the air – these are very common in offices and hospitality...
Good ventilation can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to airborne virus particles, providing there is enough fresh air flow or good filtration.There is evidence from Covid-19 outbreak studies that in buildings with better ventilation, infection rates are...
Transmission via surfaces is possible but it is likely to account for a relatively small proportion of transmission for Covid-19. When measured in the vicinity of an infected person it has been possible in a very small number of studies to find live virus on a...
Air cleaning devices using UV-C technologies are likely to be beneficial for reducing transmission risk. Enclosed devices work in a similar way to HEPA filters, and you can choose which type of device is right based on the same principles.We have known for decades...
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