A newly released study from the University of Maryland shows the COVID-19 virus and all its iterative variants and mutations get better at airborne transmission.
That’s right — the virus is evolving toward more efficient aerosol generation. Improving indoor air quality is at a higher urgency than ever.
The study, Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Exhaled Aerosols and Efficacy of Masks During Early Mild Infection, was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, and Rice University.
The study leans into a multi-pronged approach to resolving the situation, which include what has been said for months now: vaccines, masks, improved ventilation, and improved filtration.
As we have previously noted, better ventilation is rarely achievable at institutional levels or in older buildings. When it’s not simply a matter of flipping a switch, improving ventilation is either impossible, or costs too much money and takes too much time.
But there is a solution. The CDC recommends supplementing ventilation and outdoor air with in-room portable HEPA air cleaners. These kinds of units address problem areas where ventilation cannot.
Think about the building you’re in.
Is the HVAC system modern?
Is it robust?
Can it handle thicker filtration, or would the recommended MERV-13 upgrade simply block airflow?
Additionally: are you on a campus of some sort? Are certain areas of a building better suited to high ventilation than others?
These questions aren’t always easy to answer, and if you don’t have answers, we strongly recommend consulting a ventilation expert.
Improving indoor air quality is one of the greatest lessons this pandemic has taught us. If we can improve our indoor air quality to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we will also get the following benefits:
- Increased cognitive function
- Reduced asthma symptoms
- Fewer absences
If you need additional help to get the air in each room to 6 or better air changes per hour, we strongly recommend the Vaniman Pure Breeze HEPA Air Purifier.
- Multiple stages of filtration including HEPA filter to capture 99.997% of particles down to 0.3 micron.
- Powerful motor to help achieve safe ACH levels (297 or better CFM).
- Sound dampening tech for operation quieter than a normal conversation (56 dB).
- Captures pollen, dust, and other annoying particulates.
- Charcoal filter removes wide range of toxic fumes and odors.
CONTACT YOUR DEALER TODAY TO PLACE AN ORDER.