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Definition of an Indoor Air Sampling Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Risk Management: Case Study in Kindergartens.

Authors :
Borgese L
Tomasoni G
Marciano F
Zacco A
Bilo F
Stefana E
Cocca P
Rossi D
Cirelli P
Ciribini ALC
Comai S
Mastrolembo Ventura S
Savoldi Boles M
Micheletti D
Cattivelli D
Galletti S
Dubacq S
Perrone MG
Depero LE
Source :
International journal of environmental research and public health [Int J Environ Res Public Health] 2022 Jun 16; Vol. 19 (12). Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jun 16.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

In the last two years, the world has been overwhelmed by SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of the virus is the control of indoor conditions: from surface hygiene to ventilation. Regarding the indoor environments, monitoring the presence of the virus in the indoor air seems to be promising, since there is strong evidence that airborne transmission through infected droplets and aerosols is its dominant transmission route. So far, few studies report the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the air; moreover, the lack of a standard guideline for air monitoring reduces the uniformity of the results and their usefulness in the management of the risk of virus transmission. In this work, starting from a critical analysis of the existing standards and guidelines for indoor air quality, we define a strategy to set-up indoor air sampling plans for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy is then tested through a case study conducted in two kindergartens in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Italy, involving a total of 290 children and 47 teachers from 19 classrooms. The results proved its completeness, effectiveness, and suitability as a key tool in the airborne SARS-CoV-2 infection risk management process. Future research directions are then identified and discussed.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1660-4601
Volume :
19
Issue :
12
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of environmental research and public health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35742654
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127406