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Dismantling myths on the airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Tang, J W; Bahnfleth, W P; Bluyssen, P M; Buonanno, G; Jimenez, J L; Kurnitski, J; Li, Y; Miller, S; Sekhar, C; Morawska, L; Marr, L C; Melikov, A K; Nazaroff, W W; Nielsen, P V; Tellier, R; Wargocki, P; Dancer, S J.
  • Tang JW; Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
  • Bahnfleth WP; Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA.
  • Bluyssen PM; Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.
  • Buonanno G; Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy.
  • Jimenez JL; Department of Chemistry and CIRES, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
  • Kurnitski J; REHVA Technology and Research Committee, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.
  • Li Y; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
  • Miller S; Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
  • Sekhar C; Department of Building, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • Morawska L; International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
  • Marr LC; Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
  • Melikov AK; International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
  • Nazaroff WW; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
  • Nielsen PV; Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • Tellier R; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
  • Wargocki P; International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
  • Dancer SJ; Department of Microbiology, NHS Lanarkshire, Glasgow, UK; School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK. Electronic address: stephanie.dancer@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.
J Hosp Infect ; 110: 89-96, 2021 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1030909
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused untold disruption throughout the world. Understanding the mechanisms for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is key to preventing further spread, but there is confusion over the meaning of 'airborne' whenever transmission is discussed. Scientific ambivalence originates from evidence published many years ago which has generated mythological beliefs that obscure current thinking. This article collates and explores some of the most commonly held dogmas on airborne transmission in order to stimulate revision of the science in the light of current evidence. Six 'myths' are presented, explained and ultimately refuted on the basis of recently published papers and expert opinion from previous work related to similar viruses. There is little doubt that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via a range of airborne particle sizes subject to all the usual ventilation parameters and human behaviour. Experts from specialties encompassing aerosol studies, ventilation, engineering, physics, virology and clinical medicine have joined together to produce this review to consolidate the evidence for airborne transmission mechanisms, and offer justification for modern strategies for prevention and control of COVID-19 in health care and the community.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ventilation / Infection Control / Aerosols / Air Microbiology / Pandemics / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: English Journal: J Hosp Infect Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.jhin.2020.12.022

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ventilation / Infection Control / Aerosols / Air Microbiology / Pandemics / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Adult / Aged / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged Language: English Journal: J Hosp Infect Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.jhin.2020.12.022