Characterization of hospital airborne SARS-CoV-2.
Aerosol
COVID-19
Particulate matter
SARS-CoV-2
Size fraction
Journal
Respiratory research
ISSN: 1465-993X
Titre abrégé: Respir Res
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101090633
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
26 Feb 2021
26 Feb 2021
Historique:
received:
02
12
2020
accepted:
24
01
2021
entrez:
27
2
2021
pubmed:
28
2
2021
medline:
12
3
2021
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
The mechanism for spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been attributed to large particles produced by coughing and sneezing. There is controversy whether smaller airborne particles may transport SARS-CoV-2. Smaller particles, particularly fine particulate matter (≤ 2.5 µm in diameter), can remain airborne for longer periods than larger particles and after inhalation will penetrate deeply into the lungs. Little is known about the size distribution and location of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA. As a measure of hospital-related exposure, air samples of three particle sizes (> 10.0 µm, 10.0-2.5 µm, and ≤ 2.5 µm) were collected in a Boston, Massachusetts (USA) hospital from April to May 2020 (N = 90 size-fractionated samples). Locations included outside negative-pressure COVID-19 wards, a hospital ward not directly involved in COVID-19 patient care, and the emergency department. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was present in 9% of samples and in all size fractions at concentrations of 5 to 51 copies m More frequent detection of positive samples in non-COVID-19 than COVID-19 hospital areas indicates effectiveness of COVID-ward hospital controls in controlling air concentrations and suggests the potential for disease spread in areas without the strictest precautions. The positive associations regarding the probability of a positive sample, COVID-19 cases in the hospital, and cases in Massachusetts suggests that hospital air sample positivity was related to community burden. SARS-CoV-2 RNA with fine particulate matter supports the possibility of airborne transmission over distances greater than six feet. The findings support guidelines that limit exposure to airborne particles including fine particles capable of longer distance transport and greater lung penetration.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The mechanism for spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been attributed to large particles produced by coughing and sneezing. There is controversy whether smaller airborne particles may transport SARS-CoV-2. Smaller particles, particularly fine particulate matter (≤ 2.5 µm in diameter), can remain airborne for longer periods than larger particles and after inhalation will penetrate deeply into the lungs. Little is known about the size distribution and location of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
METHODS
METHODS
As a measure of hospital-related exposure, air samples of three particle sizes (> 10.0 µm, 10.0-2.5 µm, and ≤ 2.5 µm) were collected in a Boston, Massachusetts (USA) hospital from April to May 2020 (N = 90 size-fractionated samples). Locations included outside negative-pressure COVID-19 wards, a hospital ward not directly involved in COVID-19 patient care, and the emergency department.
RESULTS
RESULTS
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was present in 9% of samples and in all size fractions at concentrations of 5 to 51 copies m
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
More frequent detection of positive samples in non-COVID-19 than COVID-19 hospital areas indicates effectiveness of COVID-ward hospital controls in controlling air concentrations and suggests the potential for disease spread in areas without the strictest precautions. The positive associations regarding the probability of a positive sample, COVID-19 cases in the hospital, and cases in Massachusetts suggests that hospital air sample positivity was related to community burden. SARS-CoV-2 RNA with fine particulate matter supports the possibility of airborne transmission over distances greater than six feet. The findings support guidelines that limit exposure to airborne particles including fine particles capable of longer distance transport and greater lung penetration.
Identifiants
pubmed: 33637076
doi: 10.1186/s12931-021-01637-8
pii: 10.1186/s12931-021-01637-8
pmc: PMC7909372
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
73Subventions
Organisme : RRD VA
ID : I01 RX000792
Pays : United States
Organisme : U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ID : RD-835872
Organisme : Rehabilitation Research and Development Service
ID : Merit Review Grant I01 RX000792
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