Airborne transmission is happening. We’ve known it for a long time. #HealthyBuilding control strategies can help.

Thread shows attempts to raise alarm since Dec. (and just ones w/ me. Others have been sounding alarm: @corsiaq @linseymarr @ProfCharlesHaas @Don_Milton + many)

1/
Dec 2

Editorial ( @JExpSciEnvEpi w/ @WaringIAQ )

“The need for [Healthy Buildings] research remains in light of the potential for new and old pandemics, and for continued exploration of how building systems may play a role in mitigating transmission.” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-019-0195-5
Feb 10

How healthy buildings can help us fight coronavirus ( @FT)

"More broadly, emerging coronaviruses can also be spread through small particles in the air (known as
droplet nuclei)

Higher outdoor air vent rates, better filtration...reduce risk" https://www.ft.com/content/5083fd42-4812-11ea-aee2-9ddbdc86190d
Mar 4

Your building can make you sick or keep you well ( @nytimes)

"But when people cough or sneeze, they expel not only large droplets but also smaller airborne particles called droplet nuclei, which can stay aloft and be transported around buildings." https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/opinion/coronavirus-buildings.html
(NYT continued)

"Prev investigations of two recent coronaviruses showed that airborne transmission was occurring...supported by evidence that site of infection was the lower respiratory tract, which could only be caused by smaller particles that can be deeply inhaled."
(NYT continued)

"Here’s what we should be doing. First, bringing in more outdoor air in buildings with heating and ventilation systems (or opening windows in buildings that don’t) helps dilute airborne contaminants, making infection less likely."
(NYT continued)

"Buildings typically recirculate some air. If air absolutely has to be recirculated, you can minimize cross-contamination by enhancing the level of filtration."
"...large droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and breathing in airborne virus. When you cough or sneeze and generate large droplets...some fraction stays airborne as a smaller aerosol that can stay aloft."
(continued)

"Scientific studies show that higher ventilation rates (i.e., more fresh air) can be effective at reducing risk of airborne viruses. It’s intuitive: Bringing in more air dilutes what’s indoors."
"....compounded by a lack of capacity to treat all Covid-19 patients what are known as airborne infection isolation rooms. These are single patient rooms designed to contain airborne pathogens using ventilation control techniques."
May 18

Airplanes don’t make you sick. Really. ( @PostOpinions)

“There’s a reason the risks are low. The required systems do a really good job of controlling airborne bacteria and viruses…accounts for airborne transmission of covid-19.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/18/airplanes-dont-make-you-sick-really/
Airborne transmission is happening.

We can control this through #HealthyBuilding strategies.

I will not stop saying this.

This is the hill I will die on.

-END-

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