Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in HEPA Filters of Portable Air Cleaners

ABSTRACT

A method for determining the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in HEPA filters from portable air cleaners (PACs) have been developed and validated. Herein, a monitoring survey was conducted for 13 weeks in three indoor environments, school, nursery and a household of a socio-sanitary center in Ciudad Real, Spain. In this study, we employed environmental monitoring by RT-PCR of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in HEPA filters and other surfaces of these indoor spaces for a selective screening in asymptomatic population groups. The aim was to limit outbreaks in an early stage. Only one HEPA filter tested positive in the socio-sanitary center. After analysis by RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 in residents and healthcare workers, one worker tested positive. Therefore, this study provides direct evidence of virus-containing aerosols trapped in HEPA filters and the possibility of using these PACs for environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 while they remove airborne aerosols and trap the virus. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.