Assessment of the building ventilation and filtration using veriDART method

ABSTRACT

Adequate and efficient building ventilation and filtration are key factors that play an important part in controlling the spread of airborne pathogens like SARS-CoV2 virus (Allen and Ibrahim, 2021). However, most public buildings lack the ability to test and verify performance of their HVAC and mechanical systems for airborne pathogens due to limitations in existing diagnostic assessment tools. Carleton University performed air sampling campaigns in 24 different spaces to assist in the assessment of our HVAC systems performance across campus. The sampling campaign collected over 600 aerosol samples using veriDART's patented DNA-tagged tracer particles that simulate airborne pathogen mobility and exposure within and between rooms. The primary goal of the survey was to assess aerosol migration at the floor level as well as the potential dilution rate of COVID-19 aerosols. © 2022 17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, INDOOR AIR 2022. All rights reserved.