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Haowei Y, Mahyuddin N, Bin Nik Ghazali NN, Wang Z, Liu Y, Pan S, Badruddin IA. A critical review of research methodologies for COVID-19 transmission in indoor built environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:3413-3477. [PMID: 38385569 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2308731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused massive losses for the global economy. Scholars have used different methods to study the transmission mode and influencing factors of the virus to find effective methods to provide people with a healthy built environment. However, these studies arrived at different or even contradictory conclusions. This review presents the main research methodologies utilized in this field, summarizes the main investigation methods, and critically discusses their related conclusions. Data statistical analysis, sample collection, simulation models, and replication transmission scenarios are the main research methods. The summarized conclusion for prevention from all reviewed papers are: adequate ventilation and proper location of return air vents, proper use of personal protective equipment, as well as the reasonable and strict enforcement of policies are the main methods for reducing the transmission. Recommendations including standardized databases, causation clarification, rigorous experiment design, improved simulation accuracy and verification are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Haowei
- Centre for Building, Construction & Tropical Architecture (BuCTA), Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Mahyuddin
- Centre for Building, Construction & Tropical Architecture (BuCTA), Faculty of Built Environment, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nik Nazri Bin Nik Ghazali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zeyu Wang
- China Nuclear Power Engineering Co. Ltd, Beijing Institute of Nuclear Engineering, Beijing, China
| | - Yiqiao Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Song Pan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Built Environment and Energy Efficient Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Comprehensive Energy Saving of Cold Regions Architecture of Ministry of Education, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Irfan Anjum Badruddin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Mohammadi Dashtaki N, Mirahmadizadeh A, Fararouei M, Mohammadi Dashtaki R, Hoseini M, Nayeb MR. The Lag -Effects of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Factors on COVID-19 Infection Transmission and Severity: Using Machine Learning Techniques. J Res Health Sci 2024; 24:e00622. [PMID: 39311105 PMCID: PMC11380733 DOI: 10.34172/jrhs.2024.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to air pollution is a major health problem worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the level of air pollutants and meteorological parameters with their related lag time on the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) using machine learning (ML) techniques in Shiraz, Iran. Study Design: An ecological study. METHODS In this ecological research, three main ML techniques, including decision trees, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), have been applied to correlate meteorological parameters and air pollutants with infection transmission, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19 from 1 October 2020 to 1 March 2022. These parameters and pollutants included particulate matter (PM2), sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3 ), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), dew point (DP), air pressure (AP), and wind speed (WS). RESULTS Based on the three ML techniques, NO2 (lag 5 day), CO (lag 4), and T (lag 25) were the most important environmental features affecting the spread of COVID-19 infection. In addition, the most important features contributing to hospitalization due to COVID-19 included RH (lag 28), T (lag 11), and O3 (lag 10). After adjusting for the number of infections, the most important features affecting the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 were NO2 (lag 20), O3 (lag 22), and NO (lag 23). CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that epidemics caused by COVID-19 and (possibly) similarly viral transmitted infections, including flu, air pollutants, and meteorological parameters, can be used to predict their burden on the community and health system. In addition, meteorological and air quality data should be included in preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fararouei
- AIDS/HIV Research Center, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nayeb
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Pusterla N, Lawton K, Barnum S. Investigation of the Use of Environmental Samples for the Detection of EHV-1 in the Stalls of Subclinical Shedders. Viruses 2024; 16:1070. [PMID: 39066232 PMCID: PMC11281487 DOI: 10.3390/v16071070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In populations of healthy show horses, the subclinical transmission and circulation of respiratory pathogens can lead to disease outbreaks. Due to recent outbreaks of equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in the USA and Europe, many show organizers have instituted various biosecurity protocols such as individual horse testing, monitoring for early clinical disease and increasing hygiene and cleanliness protocols. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of detecting EHV-1 in the various environmental samples collected from the stalls of subclinical shedders. Four healthy adult horses were vaccinated intranasally with a modified-live EHV-1 vaccine in order to mimic subclinical shedding. Three additional horses served as non-vaccinated controls. All the horses were stabled in the same barn in individual stalls. Each vaccinated horse had nose-to-nose contact with at least one other horse. Prior to the vaccine administration, and daily thereafter for 10 days, various samples were collected, including a 6" rayon-tipped nasal swab, an environmental sponge, a cloth strip placed above the automatic waterer and an air sample. The various samples were processed for nucleic acid purification and analyzed for the presence of EHV-1 via quantitative PCR (qPCR). EHV-1 in nasal secretions was only detected in the vaccinated horses for 1-2 days post-vaccine administration. The environmental sponges tested EHV-1 qPCR-positive for 2-5 days (median 3.5 days) in the vaccinated horses and 1 day for a single control horse. EHV-1 was detected by qPCR in stall strips from three out of four vaccinated horses and from two out of three controls for only one day. EHV-1 qPCR-positive air samples were only detected in three out of four vaccinated horses for one single day. For the vaccinated horses, a total of 25% of the nasal swabs, 35% of the environmental stall sponges, 7.5% of the strips and 7.5% of the air samples tested qPCR positive for EHV-1 during the 10 study days. When monitoring the subclinical EHV-1 shedders, the collection and testing of the environmental sponges were able to detect EHV-1 in the environment with greater frequency as compared to nasal swabs, stationary strips and air samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.L.); (S.B.)
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Zhou F, Ma Z, Rashwan AK, Khaskheli MB, Abdelrady WA, Abdelaty NS, Hassan Askri SM, Zhao P, Chen W, Shamsi IH. Exploring the Interplay of Food Security, Safety, and Psychological Wellness in the COVID-19 Era: Managing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation. Foods 2024; 13:1610. [PMID: 38890839 PMCID: PMC11172172 DOI: 10.3390/foods13111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The global population surge presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realms of food consumption, safety, and mental well-being. This necessitates a projected 70% increase in food production to meet growing demands. Amid this backdrop, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates these issues, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between food consumption patterns and mental health dynamics during this crisis. Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 hinges upon rigorous adherence to personal hygiene practices and heightened disease awareness. Furthermore, maintaining stringent food quality and safety standards across both public and private sectors is imperative for safeguarding public health and containing viral transmission. Drawing upon existing research, this study delves into the pandemic's impact on mental health, food consumption habits, and food safety protocols. Through a comprehensive analysis, it aims to elucidate the nuanced relationship among food, food safety, and mental well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting synergistic effects and dynamics that underpin holistic human welfare. Our study offers a novel approach by integrating psychological wellness with food security and safety. In conceiving this review, we aimed to comprehensively explore the intricate interplay among food security, safety, and psychological wellness amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our review is structured to encompass a thorough examination of existing research, synthesizing insights into the multifaceted relationships among food consumption patterns, mental health dynamics, and food safety protocols during the crisis. Our findings provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing food security and psychological well-being, thus supporting both academic research and real-world applications in crisis management and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrui Zhou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Zhengxin Ma
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ahmed K. Rashwan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Food and Dairy Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | | | - Wessam A. Abdelrady
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Nesma S. Abdelaty
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Dairy Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Syed Muhammad Hassan Askri
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Highly Efficient Utilization of Forestry Biomass Resources in Southwest China, College of Material and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Imran Haider Shamsi
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Resource, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Aranega-Bou P, Pottage T, Fenwick A, D'Costa W, Brown NF, Yaxley N, King MF, Parker ST, Miller D, López-García M, Noakes CJ, Moore G, Bennett A. A 17-month longitudinal surface sampling study carried out on public transport vehicles operating in England during the COVID-19 pandemic identified low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae095. [PMID: 38637309 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To monitor severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA contamination in vehicles operating in England during the pandemic, to better understand transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on public transport. METHODS AND RESULTS We collected 1314 surface samples between December 2020 and April 2022 on trains and buses managed by five different transport operators. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was investigated through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found on 197 (15%) of the 1314 surfaces sampled, including seat head rests, handholds, and air extract grilles, but the levels of RNA recovered on those samples (median value of 23.4, interquartile range: 14.3-35.4, N gene copies per extraction) made the presence of infectious virus at the time of sampling extremely unlikely. However, detection rates varied over time with peaks broadly coinciding with times of high community transmission, when it was more likely that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were travelling on public transport. CONCLUSION During the pandemic, and as in other public spaces, low levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were found on surfaces associated with public transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Aranega-Bou
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Pottage
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Fenwick
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhemina D'Costa
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie F Brown
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Yaxley
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Marco-Felipe King
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Simon T Parker
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Miller
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Martín López-García
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS2 9JT Leeds , United Kingdom
| | - Catherine J Noakes
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, LS29JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Ginny Moore
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Allan Bennett
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, SP4 0JG Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Barberá-Riera M, Barneo-Muñoz M, Gascó-Laborda JC, Bellido Blasco J, Porru S, Alfaro C, Esteve Cano V, Carrasco P, Rebagliato M, de Llanos R, Delgado-Saborit JM. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols in long term care facilities and other indoor spaces with known COVID-19 outbreaks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 242:117730. [PMID: 38000631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus outbreaks are likely to occur in crowded and congregate indoor spaces, and their effects are most severe in vulnerable long term care facilities (LTCFs) residents. Public health officers benefit from tools that allow them to control COVID-19 outbreaks in vulnerable settings such as LTCFs, but which could be translated in the future to control other known and future virus outbreaks. This study aims to develop and test a methodology based on detection of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol samples collected with personal pumps that could be easily implemented by public health officers. The proposed methodology was used to investigate the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol in indoor settings, mainly focusing on LTCFs, suffering COVID-19 outbreaks, or in the presence of known COVID-19 cases, and targeting the initial days after diagnosis. Aerosol samples (N = 18) were collected between November 2020 and March 2022 in Castelló (Spain) from LTCFs, merchant ships and a private home with recently infected COVID-19 cases. Sampling was performed for 24-h, onto 47 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and quartz filters, connected to personal pumps at 2 and 4 L/min respectively. RNA from filters was extracted and SARS-CoV-2 was determined by detection of regions N1 and N2 of the nucleocapsid gene alongside the E gene using RT-PCR technique. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material was detected in 87.5% samples. Concentrations ranged ND-19,525 gc/m3 (gene E). No genetic traces were detected in rooms from contacts that were isolated as a preventative measure. Very high levels were also measured at locations with poor ventilation. Aerosol measurement conducted with the proposed methodology provided useful information to public health officers and contributed to manage and control 12 different COVID-19 outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in aerosol samples collected during outbreaks in congregate spaces. Indoor aerosol sampling is a useful tool in the early detection and management of COVID-19 outbreaks and supports epidemiological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Barberá-Riera
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - M Barneo-Muñoz
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - J C Gascó-Laborda
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - J Bellido Blasco
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain; Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, Castelló de la Plana, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Porru
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - C Alfaro
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - V Esteve Cano
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - P Carrasco
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Rebagliato
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - R de Llanos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
| | - J M Delgado-Saborit
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020, Valencia, Spain.
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Mortazavi H, Sarkhosh M, Najafpoor AA, Azizi S, Tabatabaee SS, Davoudi M, Miri HH, Kamika I. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the indoor air and surfaces of subway trains in Mashhad, Iran. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:1865-1873. [PMID: 37572180 PMCID: PMC10484835 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Millions of passengers around the world are concerned with the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 contamination on public transportation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in indoor air and subway surfaces in Mashhad. METHODS In this study, air and surface sampling were done at two times in the morning (7-8:30 a.m.) and evening (3:30-5 p.m.), simultaneously in two wagons for men and women in line 1 of Mashhad Metro in March 2021 to detect the virus and measure the concentration of particulate matter. Totally, 30 air and 30 metro samples were collected and examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The results showed that three and two cases in the air and surface samples were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the mean concentration of suspended particles PM1 (particulate matter smaller than 1 μm) with PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm) and PM10 (particulate matter smaller than 10 μm) (p < 0. 05). There was also a significant relationship between the mean concentration of suspended particles PM2.5 and PM10. The results showed that the mean PM2.5 measured in the indoor air of the Mashhad metro wagon had a significant relationship with WHO and US EPA and national standards, and its value was higher than the standards (p < 0.05). The average particle concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were equal to 40.46, 42.61, and 48.31 μg/m3. CONCLUSION According to the results of the pollution detected in this study, COVID-19 may be transmitted by air and environmental surfaces. Our study emphasizes the need for continuous assessment of the presence of the virus in public transportation. Detection of viral RNA in subways indicates the necessity of adequate disinfection in public settings, strictness in disinfection methods, strengthening of educational activities for sanitary measures, physical spacing plan, and increasing ventilation of wagons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mortazavi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarkhosh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Asghar Najafpoor
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shohreh Azizi
- UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, 0002 South Africa
- Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape 7131 South Africa
| | - Seyed Saeed Tabatabaee
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Davoudi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Heidarian Miri
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Infant Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ilunga Kamika
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Johannesburg, 1709 South Africa
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Puthussery JV, Ghumra DP, McBrearty KR, Doherty BM, Sumlin BJ, Sarabandi A, Mandal AG, Shetty NJ, Gardiner WD, Magrecki JP, Brody DL, Esparza TJ, Bricker TL, Boon ACM, Yuede CM, Cirrito JR, Chakrabarty RK. Real-time environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3692. [PMID: 37429842 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-time surveillance of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus is a technological gap that has eluded the scientific community since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offline air sampling techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection suffer from longer turnaround times and require skilled labor. Here, we present a proof-of-concept pathogen Air Quality (pAQ) monitor for real-time (5 min time resolution) direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols. The system synergistically integrates a high flow (~1000 lpm) wet cyclone air sampler and a nanobody-based ultrasensitive micro-immunoelectrode biosensor. The wet cyclone showed comparable or better virus sampling performance than commercially available samplers. Laboratory experiments demonstrate a device sensitivity of 77-83% and a limit of detection of 7-35 viral RNA copies/m3 of air. Our pAQ monitor is suited for point-of-need surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants in indoor environments and can be adapted for multiplexed detection of other respiratory pathogens of interest. Widespread adoption of such technology could assist public health officials with implementing rapid disease control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph V Puthussery
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Dishit P Ghumra
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Kevin R McBrearty
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disease, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Brookelyn M Doherty
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disease, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Benjamin J Sumlin
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Amirhossein Sarabandi
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Anushka Garg Mandal
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Nishit J Shetty
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Woodrow D Gardiner
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disease, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jordan P Magrecki
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disease, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - David L Brody
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas J Esparza
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Traci L Bricker
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Adrianus C M Boon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Departments Molecular Microbiology, and Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carla M Yuede
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - John R Cirrito
- Department of Neurology, Hope Center for Neurological Disease, Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Rajan K Chakrabarty
- Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering, Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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9
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Hill V, Githinji G, Vogels CBF, Bento AI, Chaguza C, Carrington CVF, Grubaugh ND. Toward a global virus genomic surveillance network. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:861-873. [PMID: 36921604 PMCID: PMC9986120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic galvanized the field of virus genomic surveillance, demonstrating its utility for public health. Now, we must harness the momentum that led to increased infrastructure, training, and political will to build a sustainable global genomic surveillance network for other epidemic and endemic viruses. We suggest a generalizable modular sequencing framework wherein users can easily switch between virus targets to maximize cost-effectiveness and maintain readiness for new threats. We also highlight challenges associated with genomic surveillance and when global inequalities persist. We propose solutions to mitigate some of these issues, including training and multilateral partnerships. Exploring alternatives to clinical sequencing can also reduce the cost of surveillance programs. Finally, we discuss how establishing genomic surveillance would aid control programs and potentially provide a warning system for outbreaks, using a global respiratory virus (RSV), an arbovirus (dengue virus), and a regional zoonotic virus (Lassa virus) as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verity Hill
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - George Githinji
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ana I Bento
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA; The Rockefeller Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chrispin Chaguza
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christine V F Carrington
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Public Health Modeling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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10
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Pan Y, Ma X, Hu G, Li S, Deng Y, Chen Z, Chen H, Wu Y, Jiang Z, Li Z. Research progress of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on aerosol collection and detection. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2023:108378. [PMID: 37362323 PMCID: PMC10039702 DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.108378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 has negatively affected people's lives and productivity. Because the mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is of great concern, this review discusses the sources of virus aerosols and possible transmission routes. First, we discuss virus aerosol collection methods, including natural sedimentation, solid impact, liquid impact, centrifugal, cyclone and electrostatic adsorption methods. Then, we review common virus aerosol detection methods, including virus culture, metabolic detection, nucleic acid-based detection and immunology-based detection methods. Finally, possible solutions for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 aerosols are introduced. Point-of-care testing has long been a focus of attention. In the near future, the development of an instrument that integrates sampling and output results will enable the real-time, automatic monitoring of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yueying Pan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Xinye Ma
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Gui Hu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, 412007, China
| | - Yanqi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China
- Shenzhen Lemniscare Med Technol Co. Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Zhihong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
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11
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Choi J, Poudel K, Nam KS, Piri A, Rivera-Piza A, Ku SK, Hwang J, Kim JO, Byeon JH. Aero-manufacture of nanobulges for an in-place anticoronaviral on air filters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130458. [PMID: 36444810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The interest in removing contagious viruses from indoor air using ventilation and filtration systems is increasing rapidly because people spend most of the day indoors. The development of an effective platform to regenerate the antiviral function of air filters during use and safe abrogation of used filters containing infectious viruses is a challenging task, because an on-demand safe-by-design manufacture system is essential for in-place antiviral coatings, but it has been rarely investigated. With these considerations, an electrically operable dispenser was prepared for decorating continuous ultrafine Fe-Zn, Fe-Ag, or Fe-Cu particles (<5 nm) onto SiO2 nanobeads (ca. 130 nm) to form nanobulges (i.e., nanoroughness for engaging coronavirus spikes) in the aerosol state for 3 min direct deposition on the air filter surfaces. The resulting nanobulges were exposed to human coronaviruses (HCoV; surrogates of SARS-CoV-2) to assess antiviral function. The results were compared with similar-sized individual Zn, Ag, and Cu particles. The nanobulges exhibited comparable antiviral activity to Zn, Ag, and Cu particles while retaining biosafety in both in vitro and in vivo models because of the significantly smaller metallic fractions. This suggests that the bimetallic bulge structures generate reactive oxygen species and Fenton-mediated hydroxyl radicals for inactivating HCoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisoo Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Kishwor Poudel
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38511, Republic of Korea; Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Department of Dermatology, Meassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kang Sik Nam
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Amin Piri
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Adriana Rivera-Piza
- Department of Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610 Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Hwang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38511, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong Hoon Byeon
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Silva PGD, Nascimento MSJ, Sousa SIV, Mesquita JR. SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor air following the third wave lockdown release, Portugal, 2021. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 36763082 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming to contribute with more data on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in outdoor environments, we performed air sampling in outdoor terraces from restaurants in three major cities of Portugal in April 2021, following the third wave lockdown release in the country. Air samples (n=19) were collected in 19 restaurant terraces during lunch time. Each air sample was collected using a Coriolis Compact air sampler, followed by RNA extraction and real-time quantitative PCR for the detection of viral RNA. Viral viability was also assessed through RNAse pre-treatment of samples. Only one of the 19 air samples was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with 7337 gene copies m-3 for the genomic region N2, with no viable virus in this sample. The low number of positive samples found in this study is not surprising, as sampling took place in outdoor settings where air circulation is optimal, and aerosols are rapidly dispersed by the air currents. These results are consistent with previous reports stating that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in outdoor spaces is low, although current evidence shows an association of exposures in settings where drinking and eating is possible on-site with an increased risk in acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, the minimal infectious dose for SARS-CoV-2 still needs to be determined so that the real risk of infection in different environments can be accurately established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal
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13
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Cox J, Christensen B, Burton N, Dunn KH, Finnegan M, Ruess A, Estill C. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace: Key findings from a rapid review of the literature. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2023; 57:233-254. [PMID: 37213938 PMCID: PMC10193509 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2023.2166394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary route of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not well understood. Research gathered from other respiratory infectious diseases, including other coronaviruses, was the basis for the initial perceptions for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. To better understand transmission of SARS-CoV-2, a rapid literature review was conducted from literature generated March 19, 2020, through September 23, 2021. 18,616 unique results were identified from literature databases and screened. Of these, 279 key articles were reviewed and abstracted covering critical topics such as environmental/workplace monitoring, sampling and analytical method evaluation, and the ability of the virus to remain intact and infectious during sampling. This paper describes the results of the rapid literature review, which evaluated pathways that contribute to transmission as well as the strengths and limitations of current sampling approaches. This review also evaluates how different factors, including environmental conditions and surface characteristics, could impact the transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2. A continual rapid review in the midst of a pandemic proved particularly useful for quickly understanding the transmission parameters of the virus and enabled us to comprehensively assess literature, respond to workplace questions, and evaluate our understanding as the science evolved. Air and surface sampling with the accompanying analytical methods were not generally effective in recovering SARS-CoV-2 viable virus or RNA in many likely contaminated environments. In light of these findings, the development of validated sampling and analysis methods is critical for determining worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and to assess the impact of mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Cox
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Brian Christensen
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nancy Burton
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kevin H. Dunn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Ana Ruess
- Gryphon Scientific, Takoma Park, MD, USA
| | - Cherie Estill
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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14
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Tan KS, Ang AXY, Tay DJW, Somani J, Ng AJY, Peng LL, Chu JJH, Tambyah PA, Allen DM. Detection of hospital environmental contamination during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron predominance using a highly sensitive air sampling device. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1067575. [PMID: 36703815 PMCID: PMC9873263 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1067575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 has exposed weaknesses in our infection control and detection measures, particularly in healthcare settings. Aerial sampling has evolved from passive impact filters to active sampling using negative pressure to expose culture substrate for virus detection. We evaluated the effectiveness of an active air sampling device as a potential surveillance system in detecting hospital pathogens, for augmenting containment measures to prevent nosocomial transmission, using SARS-CoV-2 as a surrogate. Methods We conducted air sampling in a hospital environment using the AerosolSenseTM air sampling device and compared it with surface swabs for their capacity to detect SARS-CoV-2. Results When combined with RT-qPCR detection, we found the device provided consistent SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to surface sampling, in as little as 2 h of sampling time. The device also showed that it can identify minute quantities of SARS-CoV-2 in designated "clean areas" and through a N95 mask, indicating good surveillance capacity and sensitivity of the device in hospital settings. Conclusion Active air sampling was shown to be a sensitive surveillance system in healthcare settings. Findings from this study can also be applied in an organism agnostic manner for surveillance in the hospital, improving our ability to contain and prevent nosocomial outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sen Tan
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,*Correspondence: Kai Sen Tan ✉
| | - Alicia Xin Yu Ang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Douglas Jie Wen Tay
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jyoti Somani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexander Jet Yue Ng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Lee Peng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Collaborative and Translation Unit for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Anantharajah Tambyah
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Michael Allen
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore,David Michael Allen ✉
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15
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Hayden M, Morrow B, Yang W, Wang J. Quantifying the role of airborne transmission in the spread of COVID-19. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:587-612. [PMID: 36650780 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate on the different transmission modes of SARS-CoV-2 and their relative contributions to the pandemic. In this paper, we employ a simple mathematical model, which incorporates both the human-to-human and environment-to-human transmission routes, to study the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. We focus our attention on the role of airborne transmission in the spread of the disease in a university campus setting. We conduct both mathematical analysis and numerical simulation, and incorporate published experimental data for the viral concentration in the air to fit model parameters. Meanwhile, we compare the outcome to that of the standard SIR model, utilizing a perturbation analysis in the presence of multiple time scales. Our data fitting and numerical simulation results show that the risk of airborne transmission for SARS-CoV-2 strongly depends on how long the virus can remain viable in the air. If the time for this viability is short, the airborne transmission route would be inconsequential in shaping the overall transmission risk and the total infection size. On the other hand, if the infectious virus can persist in aerosols beyond a few hours, then airborne transmission could play a much more significant role in the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hayden
- Department of Mathematics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Bryce Morrow
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Wesley Yang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
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16
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Zahedi A, Seif F, Golshan M, Khammar A, Rezaei Kahkha MR. Air Surveillance for Viral Contamination with SARS-CoV-2 RNA at a Healthcare Facility. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2022; 14:374-383. [PMID: 35610444 PMCID: PMC9129059 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-022-09524-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The transmission pathway of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 also called COVID-19 disease) in indoor environments are the main area of contention between health systems and scientists. In this context, little has been investigated about the collection of airborne viral shedding. Here, we collected air samples from 24 locations inside the sole COVID-19 patient care center in Zabol, Iran, for screening SARS-CoV-2 RNA from March to May 2021. Locations included the ICU, COVID-19 wards (CWs) rooms, corridors, nearby nurses' stations, and toilets. We identified the SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breathing zone of CW, in room air, with the positivity rate of 2.5% at a concentration of 17 × 103 virus genome copies/m3 air. It also investigates the relationship between local climate conditions [i.e., temperature and relative humidity] and COVID-19 transmission with the evolution of daily official data on the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Current data explained that the difference of temperature and humidity may affect the behavior of virus along with other factors, i.e., population density, individual viral shedding, and infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2 (both indoor and outdoor). Our data support the potential SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission indoors suggesting the specific safety assessment of building to improve ventilation solutions besides proper using face masks and extensive public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Zahedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Golshan
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran.
| | - Alireza Khammar
- Department of Occupational Health, Faculty of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kahkha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
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17
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Ziegler C, Kiley C, Tremblay G, Gregory R, Burnette RN. Engineering Controls and Technologies to Enhance Safety in the COVID-19 Pandemic Landscape: Lessons for Laboratories and Non-Laboratories. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2022; 27:225-230. [PMID: 36761991 PMCID: PMC9902040 DOI: 10.1089/apb.2022.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic ushered in a new way of life in a short time, with many lasting impacts that have yet to be fully realized. This pandemic threat landscape resulted in massive efforts to increase safety, minimize person-to-person transmission, and rethink how society approaches personal and collective health issues. The buildings and environments in which we live, work, and learn now became environments that pose new risks. As a result, many institutions began asking what improvements could be made to those environments to reduce the spread of infection of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases. Methods The authors conducted a review of past projects and emerging technologies to evaluate which applications in containment laboratories could represent an example of how engineering controls can improve safety by protecting the workers inside the laboratories as well as the public interfacing the laboratories. Discussion Engineering controls, technology, and safety systems are hallmarks of modern containment laboratories that may provide some context into extrapolating these elements into non-laboratory environments, providing there is coordination with a risk assessment methodology. In this study, the authors explore new technologies proposed for controlling SARS-CoV-2 in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and potential impacts to the operations and maintenance of those systems.
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18
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Bazzazpour S, Rahmatinia M, Mohebbi SR, Hadei M, Shahsavani A, Hopke PK, Houshmand B, Raeisi A, Jafari AJ, Yarahmadi M, Farhadi M, Hasanzadeh V, Kermani M, Vaziri MH, Tanhaei M, Zali MR, Alipour MR. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor air of dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85586-85594. [PMID: 34341930 PMCID: PMC8328532 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15607-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In the indoor environment of dental clinics, dental personnel and patients are exposed to a risk of infection because of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via particles or droplets. This study investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor air of dental clinics in Tehran, Iran. Air sampling was done (n = 36) collecting particulate samples on PTFE filters at flow rates of 30 to 58 L/min. The samples were analyzed with novel coronavirus nucleic acid diagnostic real-time PCR kits. Only 13 out of 36 samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Logistic regression showed that sampling site's volume, PM2.5 concentration, number of people, and number of active patient treatment units were significantly positively related with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Thus, strategies to control the spread of COVID-19 should include reducing the number of infected people in dental clinics, adding filtration systems, and/or improving ventilation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahriyar Bazzazpour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Rahmatinia
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Hadei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahsavani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Air Quality Health and Climate Change Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- Center for Air Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13699, USA
| | - Behzad Houshmand
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Raeisi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Yarahmadi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Farhadi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajihe Hasanzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Kermani
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohmmad Hossien Vaziri
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Tanhaei
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Moreno T, Gibbons W. Aerosol transmission of human pathogens: From miasmata to modern viral pandemics and their preservation potential in the Anthropocene record. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13:101282. [PMID: 38620922 PMCID: PMC8356732 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing uncertainty over the relative importance of aerosol transmission of COVID-19 is in part rooted in the history of medical science and our understanding of how epidemic diseases can spread through human populations. Ancient Greek medical theory held that such illnesses are transmitted by airborne pathogenic emanations containing particulate matter ("miasmata"). Notable Roman and medieval scholars such as Varro, Ibn al-Khatib and Fracastoro developed these ideas, combining them with early germ theory and the concept of contagion. A widely held but vaguely defined belief in toxic miasmatic mists as a dominant causative agent in disease propagation was overtaken by the science of 19th century microbiology and epidemiology, especially in the study of cholera, which was proven to be mainly transmitted by contaminated water. Airborne disease transmission came to be viewed as burdened by a dubious historical reputation and difficult to demonstrate convincingly. A breakthrough came with the classic mid-20th century work of Wells, Riley and Mills who proved how expiratory aerosols (their "droplet nuclei") could transport still-infectious tuberculosis bacteria through ventilation systems. The topic of aerosol transmission of pathogenic respiratory diseases assumed a new dimension with the mid-late 20th century "Great Acceleration" of an increasingly hypermobile human population repeatedly infected by different strains of zoonotic viruses, and has taken centre stage this century in response to outbreaks of new respiratory infections that include coronaviruses. From a geoscience perspective, the consequences of pandemic-status diseases such as COVID-19, produced by viral pathogens utilising aerosols to infect a human population currently approaching 8 billion, are far-reaching and unprecedented. The obvious and sudden impacts on for example waste plastic production, water and air quality and atmospheric chemistry are accelerating human awareness of current environmental challenges. As such, the "anthropause" lockdown enforced by COVID-19 may come to be seen as a harbinger of change great enough to be preserved in the Anthropocene stratal record.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Moreno
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Zorzi CGC, Neckel A, Maculan LS, Cardoso GT, Moro LD, Savio AAD, Carrasco LDZ, Oliveira MLS, Bodah ET, Bodah BW. Geo-environmental parametric 3D models of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in hospital ventilation systems. GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS 2022; 13:101279. [PMID: 38620951 PMCID: PMC8349361 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has the potential to cause natural ventilation systems in hospital environments to be rendered inadequate, not only for workers but also for people who transit through these environments even for a limited duration. Studies in of the fields of geosciences and engineering, when combined with appropriate technologies, allow for the possibility of reducing the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the environment, including those of hospitals which are critical centers for healthcare. In this work, we build parametric 3D models to assess the possible circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the natural ventilation system of a hospital built to care infected patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was performed, generating 3D models of hospital environments utilizing Revit software for Autodesk CFD 2021. The evaluation considered dimensional analyses of 0°, 45°, 90° and 180°. The analysis of natural ventilation patterns on both internal and external surfaces and the distribution of windows in relation to the displacement dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the air were considered. The results showed that in the external area of the hospital, the wind speed reached velocities up to 2.1 m/s when entering the building through open windows. In contact with the furniture, this value decreased to 0.78 m/s. In some internal isolation wards that house patients with COVID-19, areas that should be equipped with negative room pressure, air velocity was null. Our study provides insights into the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 contamination in internal hospital environments as well as external areas surrounding hospitals, both of which encounter high pedestrian traffic in cities worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alcindo Neckel
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leila Dal Moro
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600 - Santiago de Surco 1503, Peru
- Department of Civil and Environmental. Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Eliane Thaines Bodah
- State University of New York, Onondaga Community College, 4585 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, NY 13215, USA
- Thaines and Bodah Center for Education and Development, 840 South Meadowlark Lane, Othello, WA 99344, USA
| | - Brian William Bodah
- Faculdade Meridional, IMED, 304- Passo Fundo - RS 99070-220, Brazil
- Thaines and Bodah Center for Education and Development, 840 South Meadowlark Lane, Othello, WA 99344, USA
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21
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Gartland N, Fishwick D, Coleman A, Davies K, Hartwig A, Johnson S, van Tongeren M. Transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2 on ground public transport: A rapid review of the literature up to May 2021. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2022; 26:101356. [PMID: 35261878 PMCID: PMC8894738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2022.101356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background During a pandemic, public transport is strategically important for keeping the country going and getting people where they need to be. The essential nature of public transport puts into focus the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this sector; rapid and diverse work has been done to attempt to understand how transmission happens in this context and what factors influence risk. Objectives This review aimed to provide a narrative overview of the literature assessing transmission, or potential for transmission, of SARS-CoV-2 on ground-based public transport, as well as studies assessing the effectiveness of control measures on public transport during the early part of the pandemic (up to May 2021). Methods An electronic search was conducted using Web of Science, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Pubmed, and the WHO global COVID database. Searches were run between December 2020 and May 2021. Results The search strategy identified 734 papers, of which 28 papers met the inclusion criteria for the review; 10 papers assessed transmission of SARS-CoV-2, 11 assessed control measures, and seven assessed levels of contamination. Eleven papers were based on modelling approaches; 17 studies were original studies reporting empirical COVID-19 data. Conclusions The literature is heterogeneous, and there are challenges for measurement of transmission in this setting. There is evidence for transmission in certain cases, and mixed evidence for the presence of viral RNA in transport settings; there is also evidence for some reduction of risk through mitigation. However, the routes of transmission and key factors contributing to transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on public transport were not clear during the early stage of the pandemic. Gaps in understanding are discussed and six key questions for future research have been posed. Further exploration of transmission factors and effectiveness of mitigation strategies is required in order to support decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Gartland
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David Fishwick
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Coleman
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Davies
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Angelique Hartwig
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena Johnson
- Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie van Tongeren
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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22
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Al Huraimel K, Alhosani M, Gopalani H, Kunhabdulla S, Stietiya MH. Elucidating the role of environmental management of forests, air quality, solid waste and wastewater on the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2022; 3:100006. [PMID: 37519421 PMCID: PMC9095661 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2022.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increasing frequency of zoonotic diseases is amongst several catastrophic repercussions of inadequate environmental management. Emergence, prevalence, and lethality of zoonotic diseases is intrinsically linked to environmental management which are currently at a destructive level globally. The effects of these links are complicated and interdependent, creating an urgent need of elucidating the role of environmental mismanagement to improve our resilience to future pandemics. This review focused on the pertinent role of forests, outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste and wastewater management in COVID-19 dissemination to analyze the opportunities prevailing to control infectious diseases considering relevant data from previous disease outbreaks. Global forest management is currently detrimental and hotspots of forest fragmentation have demonstrated to result in zoonotic disease emergences. Deforestation is reported to increase susceptibility to COVID-19 due to wildfire induced pollution and loss of forest ecosystem services. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 like viruses in multiple animal species also point to the impacts of biodiversity loss and forest fragmentation in relation to COVID-19. Available literature on air quality and COVID-19 have provided insights into the potential of air pollutants acting as plausible virus carrier and aggravating immune responses and expression of ACE2 receptors. SARS-CoV-2 is detected in outdoor air, indoor air, solid waste, wastewater and shown to prevail on solid surfaces and aerosols for prolonged hours. Furthermore, lack of protection measures and safe disposal options in waste management are evoking concerns especially in underdeveloped countries due to high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Inadequate legal framework and non-adherence to environmental regulations were observed to aggravate the postulated risks and vulnerability to future waves of pandemics. Our understanding underlines the urgent need to reinforce the fragile status of global environmental management systems through the development of strict legislative frameworks and enforcement by providing institutional, financial and technical supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Huraimel
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Alhosani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hetasha Gopalani
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabana Kunhabdulla
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammed Hashem Stietiya
- Division of Consultancy, Research & Innovation (CRI), Sharjah Environment Company - Bee'ah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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23
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Zhang X, Wu J, Smith LM, Li X, Yancey O, Franzblau A, Dvonch JT, Xi C, Neitzel RL. Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces and estimating infection risk in buildings and buses on a university campus. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:751-758. [PMID: 35477766 PMCID: PMC9045468 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence is needed on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in various types of environmental samples and on the estimated transmission risks in non-healthcare settings on campus. OBJECTIVES The objective of this research was to collect data on SARS-CoV-2 viral load and to examine potential infection risks of people exposed to the virus in publicly accessible non-healthcare environments on a university campus. METHODS Air and surface samples were collected using wetted wall cyclone bioaerosol samplers and swab kits, respectively, in a longitudinal environmental surveillance program from August 2020 until April 2021 on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. Quantitative rRT-PCR with primers and probes targeting gene N1 were used for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification. The RNA concentrations were used to estimate the probability of infection by quantitative microbial risk assessment modeling and Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS In total, 256 air samples and 517 surface samples were collected during the study period, among which positive rates were 1.6% and 1.4%, respectively. Point-biserial correlation showed that the total case number on campus was significantly higher in weeks with positive environmental samples than in non-positive weeks (p = 0.001). The estimated probability of infection was about 1 per 100 exposures to SARS-CoV-2-laden aerosols through inhalation and as high as 1 per 100,000 exposures from contacting contaminated surfaces in simulated scenarios. SIGNIFICANCE Viral shedding was demonstrated by the detection of viral RNA in multiple air and surface samples on a university campus. The low overall positivity rate indicated that the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 at monitored locations was low. Risk modeling results suggest that inhalation is the predominant route of exposure compared to surface contact, which emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals from airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other respiratory infectious diseases. IMPACT Given the reoccurring epidemics caused by highly infectious respiratory viruses in recent years, our manuscript reinforces the importance of monitoring environmental transmission by the simultaneous sampling and integration of multiple environmental surveillance matrices for modeling and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren M Smith
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olivia Yancey
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J Timothy Dvonch
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chuanwu Xi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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24
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Silva PG, Branco PTBS, Soares RRG, Mesquita JR, Sousa SIV. SARS-CoV-2 air sampling: A systematic review on the methodologies for detection and infectivity. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13083. [PMID: 36040285 PMCID: PMC9538005 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aims to present an overview of the current aerosol sampling methods (and equipment) being used to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, along with the main parameters reported in the studies that are essential to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method and perspectives for future research regarding this mode of transmission. A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus to assess the current air sampling methodologies being applied to SARS-CoV-2. Most of the studies took place in indoor environments and healthcare settings and included air and environmental sampling. The collection mechanisms used were impinger, cyclone, impactor, filters, water-based condensation, and passive sampling. Most of the reviewed studies used RT-PCR to test the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the collected samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected with all collection mechanisms. From the studies detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, fourteen assessed infectivity. Five studies detected viable viruses using impactor, water-based condensation, and cyclone collection mechanisms. There is a need for a standardized protocol for sampling SARS-CoV-2 in air, which should also account for other influencing parameters, including air exchange ratio in the room sampled, relative humidity, temperature, and lighting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla G Silva
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro T B S Branco
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ruben R G Soares
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - João R Mesquita
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPI Unit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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25
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Wang Q, Gu J, An T. The emission and dynamics of droplets from human expiratory activities and COVID-19 transmission in public transport system: A review. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 219:109224. [PMID: 35645454 PMCID: PMC9126829 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The public transport system, containing a large number of passengers in enclosed and confined spaces, provides suitable conditions for the spread of respiratory diseases. Understanding how diseases are transmitted in public transport environment is of vital importance to public health. However, this is a highly multidisciplinary matter and the related physical processes including the emissions of respiratory droplets, the droplet dynamics and transport pathways, and subsequently, the infection risk in public transport, are poorly understood. To better grasp the complex processes involved, a synthesis of current knowledge is required. Therefore, we conducted a review on the behaviors of respiratory droplets in public transport system, covering a wide scope from the emission profiles of expiratory droplets, the droplet dynamics and transport, to the transmission of COVID-19 in public transport. The literature was searched using related keywords in Web of Science and PubMed and screened for suitability. The droplet size is a key parameter in determining the deposition and evaporation, which together with the exhaled air velocity largely determines the horizontal travel distance. The potential transmission route and transmission rate in public transport as well as the factors influencing the virus-laden droplet behaviors and virus viability (such as ventilation system, wearing personal protective equipment, air temperature and relative humidity) were also discussed. The review also suggests that future studies should address the uncertainties in droplet emission profiles associated with the measurement techniques, and preferably build a database based on a unified testing protocol. Further investigations based on field measurements and modeling studies into the influence of different ventilation systems on the transmission rate in public transport are also needed, which would provide scientific basis for controlling the transmission of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Wang
- Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, Jinan University, 511443, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Collaborative Innovation for Environmental Quality, 511443, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Gu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Guangdong Technology Research Center for Photocatalytic Technology Integration and Equipment Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, 510006, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Wei Y, Dong Z, Fan W, Xu K, Tang S, Wang Y, Wu F. A narrative review on the role of temperature and humidity in COVID-19: Transmission, persistence, and epidemiological evidence. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:73-85. [PMID: 38013745 PMCID: PMC9181277 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since December 2019, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global pandemic. Understanding the role of environmental conditions is important in impeding the spread of COVID-19. Given that airborne spread and contact transmission are considered the main pathways for the spread of COVID-19, this narrative review first summarized the role of temperature and humidity in the airborne trajectory of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Meanwhile, we reviewed the persistence of the virus in aerosols and on inert surfaces and summarized how the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 is affected by temperature and humidity. We also examined the existing epidemiological evidence and addressed the limitations of these epidemiological studies. Although uncertainty remains, more evidence may support the idea that high temperature is slightly and negatively associated with COVID-19 growth, while the conclusion for humidity is still conflicting. Nonetheless, the spread of COVID-19 appears to have been controlled primarily by government interventions rather than environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhaomin Dong
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Wenhong Fan
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 102206, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kaiqiang Xu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Song Tang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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27
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de Kreij RJB, Davies Wykes MS, Woodward H, Linden PF. Modeling disease transmission in a train carriage using a simple 1D-model. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13066. [PMID: 35762236 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding airborne infectious disease transmission on public transport is essential to reducing the risk of infection of passengers and crew members. We propose a new one-dimensional (1D) model that predicts the longitudinal dispersion of airborne contaminants and the risk of disease transmission inside a railway carriage. We compare the results of this 1D-model to the predictions of a model that assumes the carriage is fully mixed. The 1D-model is validated using measurements of controlled carbon-dioxide experiments conducted in a full-scale railway carriage. We use our results to provide novel insights into the impact of various strategies to reduce the risk of airborne transmission on public transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick J B de Kreij
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Huw Woodward
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul F Linden
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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28
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Tao Y, Zhang X, Qiu G, Spillmann M, Ji Z, Wang J. SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne respiratory viruses in outdoor aerosols in three Swiss cities before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107266. [PMID: 35512527 PMCID: PMC9060371 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been affecting the world since the end of 2019. While virus-laden particles have been commonly detected and studied in the aerosol samples from indoor healthcare settings, studies are scarce on air surveillance of the virus in outdoor non-healthcare environments, including the correlations between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, between viruses and environmental factors, and between viruses and human behavior changes due to the public health measures against COVID-19. Therefore, in this study, we collected airborne particulate matter (PM) samples from November 2019 to April 2020 in Bern, Lugano, and Zurich. Among 14 detected viruses, influenza A, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-229E were abundant in air. SARS-CoV-2 and enterovirus were moderately common, while the remaining viruses occurred only in low concentrations. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in PM10 (PM below 10 µm) samples of Bern and Zurich, and PM2.5 (PM below 2.5 µm) samples of Bern which exhibited a concentration positively correlated with the local COVID-19 case number. The concentration was also correlated with the concentration of enterovirus which raised the concern of coinfection. The estimated COVID-19 infection risks of an hour exposure at these two sites were generally low but still cannot be neglected. Our study demonstrated the potential functionality of outdoor air surveillance of airborne respiratory viruses, especially at transportation hubs and traffic arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yile Tao
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Xiaole Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Guangyu Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Martin Spillmann
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
| | - Zheng Ji
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland; Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technologies, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland.
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29
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da Silva PG, Gonçalves J, Nascimento MSJ, Sousa SIV, Mesquita JR. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the Indoor and Outdoor Areas of Urban Public Transport Systems of Three Major Cities of Portugal in 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5955. [PMID: 35627503 PMCID: PMC9141764 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is mainly associated with poorly ventilated and crowded indoor environments where people stay for long periods of time. As such, public transport is often perceived as having a high risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Considering that data on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in public transport systems are scarce, we performed air sampling for SARS-CoV-2 in indoor and outdoor spaces of public transport systems in Portugal. Air (n = 31) and surface (n = 70) samples were collected using a Coriolis® Compact microbial air sampler and sterile flocked plastic swabs, respectively. Samples were extracted and analyzed through RT-qPCR. Only two air samples from an outdoor and a partially open space were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. No positive surface samples were detected. These results indicate that the viral concentration in ambient air in public transport systems is linked to the number of people present in that environment and whether they are wearing properly fitting masks. Considering the current lifting of COVID-19 restrictions around the world, it is essential that people continue to wear masks in both indoor and outdoor environments, especially in crowded spaces. More studies on this topic are needed to fully elucidate the real risk of infection in outdoor spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
| | - José Gonçalves
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | | | - Sofia I. V. Sousa
- LEPABE—Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia, Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection on Environmental Surfaces in a University Setting of Central Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095560. [PMID: 35564956 PMCID: PMC9099440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs through direct contact (person to person) and indirect contact by means of objects and surfaces contaminated by secretions from individuals with COVID-19 or asymptomatic carriers. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces made of different materials located in university environments frequented by students and staff involved in academy activity during the fourth pandemic wave (December 2021). A total of 189 environmental samples were collected from classrooms, the library, computer room, gym and common areas and subjected to real-time PCR assay to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by amplification of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. All samples gave a valid result for Internal Process Control and nine (4.8%) tested very low positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplification with a median Ct value of 39.44 [IQR: 37.31-42.66] (≤1 copy of viral genome). Our results show that, despite the prevention measures implemented, the presence of infected subjects cannot be excluded, as evidenced by the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from surfaces. The monitoring of environmental SARS-CoV-2 RNA could support public health prevention strategies in the academic and school world.
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Santurtún A, Colom ML, Fdez-Arroyabe P, Real ÁD, Fernández-Olmo I, Zarrabeitia MT. Exposure to particulate matter: Direct and indirect role in the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112261. [PMID: 34687752 PMCID: PMC8527737 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Knowing the transmission factors and the natural environment that favor the spread of a viral infection is crucial to stop outbreaks and develop effective preventive strategies. This work aims to evaluate the role of Particulate Matter (PM) in the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing especially on that of PM as a vector for SARS-CoV-2. Exposure to PM has been related to new cases and to the clinical severity of people infected by SARS-CoV-2, which can be explained by the oxidative stress and the inflammatory response generated by these particles when entering the respiratory system, as well as by the role of PM in the expression of ACE-2 in respiratory cells in human hosts. In addition, different authors have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in PM sampled both in outdoor and indoor environments. The results of various studies lead to the hypothesis that the aerosols emitted by an infected person could be deposited in other suspended particles, sometimes of natural but especially of anthropogenic origin, that form the basal PM. However, the viability of the virus in PM has not yet been demonstrated. Should PM be confirmed as a vector of transmission, prevention strategies ought to be adapted, and PM sampling in outdoor environments could become an indicator of viral load in a specific area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Santurtún
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Marina L Colom
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Pablo Fdez-Arroyabe
- Geography and Planning Department, Geobiomet Research Group. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Álvaro Del Real
- Medicine and Psychiatry Department. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández-Olmo
- Chemical and Molecular Engineering Department. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - María T Zarrabeitia
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Area, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Faculty of Medicine. University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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Myers NT, Laumbach RJ, Black KG, Ohman‐Strickland P, Alimokhtari S, Legard A, De Resende A, Calderón L, Lu FT, Mainelis G, Kipen HM. Portable air cleaners and residential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 aerosols: A real-world study. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13029. [PMID: 35481935 PMCID: PMC9111720 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with COVID-19 who do not require hospitalization are instructed to self-isolate in their residences. Due to high secondary infection rates in household members, there is a need to understand airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within residences. We report the first naturalistic intervention study suggesting a reduction of such transmission risk using portable air cleaners (PACs) with HEPA filters. Seventeen individuals with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection completed this single-blind, crossover, randomized study. Total and size-fractionated aerosol samples were collected simultaneously in the self-isolation room with the PAC (primary) and another room (secondary) for two consecutive 24-h periods, one period with HEPA filtration and the other with the filter removed (sham). Seven out of sixteen (44%) air samples in primary rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the sham period. With the PAC operated at its lowest setting (clean air delivery rate [CADR] = 263 cfm) to minimize noise, positive aerosol samples decreased to four out of sixteen residences (25%; p = 0.229). A slight decrease in positive aerosol samples was also observed in the secondary room. As the world confronts both new variants and limited vaccination rates, our study supports this practical intervention to reduce the presence of viral aerosols in a real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala T. Myers
- Department of Environmental SciencesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Robert J. Laumbach
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and JusticeRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Kathleen G. Black
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Pamela Ohman‐Strickland
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Department of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyRutgers School of Public HealthRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Shahnaz Alimokhtari
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Alicia Legard
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Adriana De Resende
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Leonardo Calderón
- Department of Environmental SciencesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Frederic T. Lu
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental SciencesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Howard M. Kipen
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences InstituteRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and JusticeRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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Ellingjord-Dale M, Kalleberg KT, Istre MS, Nygaard AB, Brunvoll SH, Eggesbø LM, Dahl JA, Kjetland EF, Ursin G, Søraas A. The use of public transport and contraction of SARS-CoV-2 in a large prospective cohort in Norway. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:252. [PMID: 35287611 PMCID: PMC8919146 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07233-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For many people public transport is the only mode of travel, and it can be challenging to keep the necessary distances in such a restricted space. The exact role of public transportation and risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is not known.
Methods Participants (n = 121,374) were untested adult Norwegian residents recruited through social media who in the spring of 2020 completed a baseline questionnaire on demographics and the use of public transport. Incident cases (n = 1069) had a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test registered at the Norwegian Messaging System for Infectious Diseases by January 27, 2021. We investigated the association between the use of public transport and SARS-CoV-2 using logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, calendar time, gender, municipality, smoking, income level, fitness and underlying medical conditions were estimated. Frequency of the use of public transport was reported for 2 week-periods. Results Before lockdown, those who tested positive on SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to have used public transport 1–3 times (OR = 1.28, CI 1.09–1.51), 4–10 times (OR = 1.49, CI 1.26–1.77) and ≥ 11 times (OR = 1.50, CI 1.27–1.78, p for trend < 0.0001) than those who had not tested positive. Conclusion The use of public transport was positively associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2 both before and after lockdown. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07233-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merete Ellingjord-Dale
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Mette S Istre
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders B Nygaard
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja H Brunvoll
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linn M Eggesbø
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - John Arne Dahl
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eyrun F Kjetland
- Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Giske Ursin
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arne Søraas
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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Dinoi A, Feltracco M, Chirizzi D, Trabucco S, Conte M, Gregoris E, Barbaro E, La Bella G, Ciccarese G, Belosi F, La Salandra G, Gambaro A, Contini D. A review on measurements of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in air in outdoor and indoor environments: Implication for airborne transmission. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151137. [PMID: 34699823 PMCID: PMC8539199 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been object of debate in the scientific community since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. This mechanism of transmission could arise from virus-laden aerosol released by infected individuals and it is influenced by several factors. Among these, the concentration and size distribution of virus-laden particles play an important role. The knowledge regarding aerosol transmission increases as new evidence is collected in different studies, even if it is not yet available a standard protocol regarding air sampling and analysis, which can create difficulties in the interpretation and application of results. This work reports a systematic review of current knowledge gained by 73 published papers on experimental determination of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air comparing different environments: outdoors, indoor hospitals and healthcare settings, and public community indoors. Selected papers furnished 77 datasets: outdoor studies (9/77, 11.7%) and indoor studies (68/77. 88.3%). The indoor datasets in hospitals were the vast majority (58/68, 85.3%), and the remaining (10/68, 14.7%) were classified as community indoors. The fraction of studies having positive samples, as well as positivity rates (i.e. ratios between positive and total samples) are significantly larger in hospitals compared to the other typologies of sites. Contamination of surfaces was more frequent (in indoor datasets) compared to contamination of air samples; however, the average positivity rate was lower compared to that of air. Concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air were highly variables and, on average, lower in outdoors compared to indoors. Among indoors, concentrations in community indoors appear to be lower than those in hospitals and healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide Dinoi
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy
| | - Matteo Feltracco
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino 155, Venice, Mestre, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino 155, Venezia, Mestre, Italy
| | - Daniela Chirizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sara Trabucco
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Via Gobetti 101, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Conte
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy; Laboratory for Observations and Analyses of Earth and Climate, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gregoris
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino 155, Venice, Mestre, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino 155, Venezia, Mestre, Italy
| | - Elena Barbaro
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino 155, Venice, Mestre, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino 155, Venezia, Mestre, Italy
| | - Gianfranco La Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ciccarese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Franco Belosi
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Via Gobetti 101, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino 155, Venezia, Mestre, Italy
| | - Daniele Contini
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy.
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35
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA Recovery from Air Sampled on Quartz Fiber Filters: A Matter of Sample Preservation? ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The airborne route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by the World Health Organization in April 2021. There is an urge to establish standardized protocols for assessing the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples to support risk assessment, especially in indoor environments. Debates on the airborne transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 have been complicated because, among the studies testing the presence of the virus in the air, the percentage of positive samples has often been very low. In the present study, we report preliminary results on a study for the evaluation of parameters that can influence SARS-CoV-2 RNA recovery from quartz fiber filters spotted either by standard single-stranded SARS-CoV-2 RNA or by inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions. The analytes were spiked on filters and underwent an active or passive sampling; then, they were preserved at −80 °C for different numbers of days (0 to 54) before extraction and analysis. We found a mean recovery of 2.43%, except for the sample not preserved (0 days) that showed a recovery of 13.51%. We found a relationship between the number of days and the recovery percentage. The results presented show a possible issue that relates to the quartz matrix and SARS-CoV-2 RNA recovery. The results are in accordance with the already published studies that described similar methods for SARS-CoV-2 RNA field sampling and that reported non-detectable concentrations of RNA. These outcomes could be false negatives due to sample preservation conditions. Thus, until further investigation, we suggest, as possible alternatives, to keep the filters: (i) in a sealed container for preservation at 4 °C; and (ii) in a viral transport medium for preservation at a temperature below 0 °C.
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36
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Shao L, Cao Y, Jones T, Santosh M, Silva LFO, Ge S, da Boit K, Feng X, Zhang M, BéruBé K. COVID-19 mortality and exposure to airborne PM 2.5: A lag time correlation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151286. [PMID: 34743816 PMCID: PMC8553633 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has escalated into one of the most serious crises in the 21st Century. Given the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its high mortality rate, here we investigate the impact and relationship of airborne PM2.5 to COVID-19 mortality. Previous studies have indicated that PM2.5 has a positive relationship with the spread of COVID-19. To gain insights into the delayed effect of PM2.5 concentration (μgm-3) on mortality, we focused on the role of PM2.5 in Wuhan City in China and COVID-19 during the period December 27, 2019 to April 7, 2020. We also considered the possible impact of various meteorological factors such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, atmospheric pressure and precipitation on pollutant levels. The results from the Pearson's correlation coefficient analyses reveal that the population exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 pollution are susceptible to COVID-19 mortality with a lag time of >18 days. By establishing a generalized additive model, the delayed effect of PM2.5 on the death toll of COVID-19 was verified. A negative correction was identified between temperature and number of COVID-19 deaths, whereas atmospheric pressure exhibits a positive correlation with deaths, both with a significant lag effect. The results from our study suggest that these epidemiological relationships may contribute to the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide insights for public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyi Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yaxin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tim Jones
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - M Santosh
- School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geoscience Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Department of Earth Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Shuoyi Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kátia da Boit
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Xiaolei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kelly BéruBé
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK
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Truyols Vives J, Muncunill J, Toledo Pons N, Baldoví HG, Sala Llinàs E, Mercader Barceló J. SARS-CoV-2 detection in bioaerosols using a liquid impinger collector and ddPCR. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13002. [PMID: 35225399 PMCID: PMC9111801 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The airborne route is the dominant form of COVID-19 transmission, and therefore, the development of methodologies to quantify SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols is needed. We aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols by using a highly efficient sampler for the collection of 1-3 µm particles, followed by a highly sensitive detection method. 65 bioaerosol samples were collected in hospital rooms in the presence of a COVID-19 patient using a liquid impinger sampler. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected by ddPCR using different primer/probe sets. 44.6% of the samples resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 following this protocol. By increasing the sampled air volume from 339 to 650 L, the percentage of positive samples went from 41% to 50%. We detected five times less positives with a commercial one-step RT-PCR assay. However, the selection of primer/probe sets might be one of the most determining factor for bioaerosol SARS-CoV-2 detection since with the ORF1ab set more than 40% of the samples were positive, compared to <10% with other sets. In conclusion, the use of a liquid impinger collector and ddPCR is an adequate strategy to detect SARS-CoV-2 in bioaerosols. However, there are still some methodological aspects that must be adjusted to optimize and standardize a definitive protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Truyols Vives
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
| | - Josep Muncunill
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
| | - Núria Toledo Pons
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Department of Pulmonary MedicineHospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE)Balearic IslandsSpain
| | - Herme G. Baldoví
- Department of ChemistryUniversitat Politècnica de València (UPV)ValenciaSpain
| | - Ernest Sala Llinàs
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Department of Pulmonary MedicineHospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES)MadridSpain
| | - Josep Mercader Barceló
- Molecular Biology and One Health research group (MolONE)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)PalmaSpain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa)Balearic IslandsSpain
- Foners Medicina Veterinària i Innovació SLPPalmaSpain
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Conte M, Feltracco M, Chirizzi D, Trabucco S, Dinoi A, Gregoris E, Barbaro E, La Bella G, Ciccarese G, Belosi F, La Salandra G, Gambaro A, Contini D. Airborne concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor community environments in Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:13905-13916. [PMID: 34599449 PMCID: PMC8486635 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic raised a debate regarding the role of airborne transmission. Information regarding virus-laden aerosol concentrations is still scarce in community indoors and what are the risks for general public and the efficiency of restriction policies. This work investigates, for the first time in Italy, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples collected in different community indoors (one train station, two food markets, one canteen, one shopping centre, one hair salon, and one pharmacy) in three Italian cities: metropolitan city of Venice (NE of Italy), Bologna (central Italy), and Lecce (SE of Italy). Air samples were collected during the maximum spread of the second wave of pandemic in Italy (November and December 2020). All collected samples tested negative for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, using both real-time RT-PCR and ddPCR, and no significant differences were observed comparing samples taken with and without customers. Modelling average concentrations, using influx of customers' data and local epidemiological information, indicated low values (i.e. < 0.8 copies m-3 when cotton facemasks are used and even lower for surgical facemasks). The results, even if with some limitations, suggest that the restrictive policies enforced could effectively reduce the risk of airborne transmissions in the community indoor investigated, providing that physical distance is respected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Conte
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy
| | - Matteo Feltracco
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venice, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venezia, Italy
| | - Daniela Chirizzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia, 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sara Trabucco
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Via Gobetti, 101, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adelaide Dinoi
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elena Gregoris
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venice, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venezia, Italy
| | - Elena Barbaro
- Istituto di Scienze Polari (ISP-CNR), Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venice, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venezia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco La Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia, 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ciccarese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia, 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Franco Belosi
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Via Gobetti, 101, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata (IZSPB), Via Manfredonia, 20, Foggia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Ambientali, Informatica e Statistica, Università Ca' Foscari di Venezia, Via Torino (Mestre), 155, Venezia, Italy
| | - Daniele Contini
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Atmosfera e del Clima (ISAC-CNR), Str. Prv. Lecce-Monteroni km 1.2, Lecce, Italy.
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Hachem M, Bensefa-Colas L, Momas I. Changes in air quality in-taxis and in working conditions of taxi drivers pre- and post-lockdown, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Paris area. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12967. [PMID: 34866247 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the impact of the lockdown restriction measures in the Paris area on the variation of in-vehicle ultrafine particle (UFP) and black carbon (BC) concentrations between the pre- and post-lockdown period and professional drivers' working conditions and practices. The study was conducted with 33 taxi drivers. UFP and BC were measured inside their vehicles with DiSCmini® and microAeth® , respectively, on two typical working days pre- and post-lockdown. Job characteristics were self-reported. Our results showed that post-lockdown, both the number of clients and journey duration significantly decreased. Taxi drivers opened their windows significantly more and reduced the use of air recirculation. UFP decreased significantly by 32% and BC by 31% post-lockdown, with a weaker positive correlation compared to pre-lockdown. The reduction of in-vehicle UFP was due mainly to the reduction of traffic flow and ventilation settings, though the latter probably varied according to traffic conditions. The variation of in-vehicle BC also tended to be related to the decrease in traffic flow post-lockdown. We emphasize the role of traffic emissions on in-vehicle air pollution and that preventive measures such ventilation settings would help to minimize the exposure of professional drivers and passengers to air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hachem
- Paris University, CRESS-INSERM UMR_1153, INRAE, HERA Team, Paris, France
| | - Lynda Bensefa-Colas
- Paris University, CRESS-INSERM UMR_1153, INRAE, HERA Team, Paris, France
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, APHP, Centre-Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Momas
- Paris University, CRESS-INSERM UMR_1153, INRAE, HERA Team, Paris, France
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Dhital NB, Wang LC, Yang HH, Lee CH, Shih WH, Wu CS. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public bus occupancy and real-world tailpipe emissions of gaseous pollutants per passenger kilometer traveled. SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH 2022; 32:35. [PMCID: PMC9361239 DOI: 10.1186/s42834-022-00146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Public buses typically have less emission per passenger kilometer traveled (PKT) than private cars and motorcycles, and the emission benefit of public buses increases with ridership. However, the drop in public bus usage during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic could lead to an increase in air pollutant emissions per PKT, making the emission benefits of public buses questionable. This study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public bus occupancy rates in Taichung City, Taiwan, and also compared real-world emissions per PKT of carbon monoxide (CO), total hydrocarbons (THC), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) of a public bus before and during the pandemic. Mean bus occupancy rates were 11–25% on different bus routes before the pandemic, indicating that only a fourth or less of the bus passenger capacity was utilized. During the pandemic, mean bus occupancy rates dropped to 4–15%. Moreover, the public bus was less polluting based on CO and THC emissions than the car and motorcycle, even at the low passenger occupancy rates observed during the pandemic. However, NO and CO2 emissions per PKT of the bus were remarkably higher during the pandemic than those of the car and motorcycle. Furthermore, we estimated the break-even passenger occupancy rate for buses as 15%, which was the minimum threshold occupancy rate below which the buses would be more polluting than cars and motorcycles in terms of CO, THC, and CO2 emissions per PKT. Our findings will help transport management authorities and policymakers to optimize bus route designs and frequencies and implement anti-pandemic measures to maximize the environmental benefits of the public bus transit systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Babu Dhital
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, 413310 Taiwan
- Department of Environmental Science, Patan Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Patandhoka, 44700 Nepal
| | - Lin-Chi Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City, 320314 Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Risk Management, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City, 320314 Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Hsien Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, 413310 Taiwan
| | - Che-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, 413310 Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Shih
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, 413310 Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Shiu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung City, 413310 Taiwan
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Li H, Shankar SN, Witanachchi CT, Lednicky JA, Loeb JC, Alam MM, Fan ZH, Mohamed K, Boyette JA, Eiguren-Fernandez A, Wu CY. Environmental Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Two Restaurants from a Mid-scale City that Followed U.S. CDC Reopening Guidance. AEROSOL AND AIR QUALITY RESEARCH 2022; 22:210304. [PMID: 35024044 PMCID: PMC8752097 DOI: 10.4209/aaqr.210304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since mask use and physical distancing are difficult to maintain when people dine indoors, restaurants are perceived as high risk for acquiring COVID-19. The air and environmental surfaces in two restaurants in a mid-scale city located in north central Florida that followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reopening guidance were sampled three times from July 2020 to February 2021. Sixteen air samples were collected for 2 hours using air samplers, and 20 surface samples by using moistened swabs. The samples were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA. A total of ~550 patrons dined in the restaurants during our samplings. SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA was not detected in any of the air samples. One of the 20 surface samples (5%) was positive. That sample had been collected from a plastic tablecloth immediately after guests left the restaurant. Virus was not isolated in cell cultures inoculated with aliquots of the RT-PCR-positive sample. The likelihood that patrons and staff acquire SARS-CoV-2 infections may be low in restaurants in a mid-scale city that adopt CDC restaurant reopening guidelines, such as operation at 50% capacity so that tables can be spaced at least 6 feet apart, establishment of adequate mechanical ventilation, use of a face covering except while eating or drinking, and implementation of disinfection measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwan Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
| | | | | | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Julia C. Loeb
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Md. Mahbubul Alam
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, USA
| | - Z. Hugh Fan
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, USA
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
| | - Karim Mohamed
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
| | - Jessica A. Boyette
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
| | | | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, USA
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Guadalupe JJ, Rojas MI, Pozo G, Erazo-Garcia MP, Vega-Polo P, Terán-Velástegui M, Rohwer F, Torres MDL. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on Surfaces of Public Places and a Transportation System Located in a Densely Populated Urban Area in South America. Viruses 2021; 14:v14010019. [PMID: 35062223 PMCID: PMC8780916 DOI: 10.3390/v14010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that causes COVID-19. Being aware of the presence of the virus on different types of surfaces and in different environments, and having a protocol for its detection, is important to understand the dynamics of the virus and its shedding patterns. In Ecuador, the detection of viral RNA in urban environmental samples has not been a priority. The present study analyzed samples from two densely populated neighborhoods and one public transportation system in Quito, Ecuador. Viral RNA presence was assessed using RT-LAMP. Twenty-eight out of 300 surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA (9.33%). Frequently touched surfaces, especially in indoor spaces and on public transportation, were most likely to be positive for viral RNA. Positivity rate association for the two neighborhoods and for the surface type was not found. This study found viral RNA presence on urban surfaces; this information provides an insight into viral dissemination dynamics. Monitoring environmental SARS-CoV-2 could support the public health prevention strategies in Quito, Ecuador.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Guadalupe
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - María I. Rojas
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (M.I.R.); (F.R.)
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Gabriela Pozo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Maria P. Erazo-Garcia
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Pamela Vega-Polo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Martín Terán-Velástegui
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
| | - Forest Rohwer
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA; (M.I.R.); (F.R.)
- Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - María de Lourdes Torres
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Diego de Robles y Via Interoceanica s/n, Quito 170157, Ecuador; (J.J.G.); (G.P.); (M.P.E.-G.); (P.V.-P.); (M.T.-V.)
- Correspondence:
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Goren AY, Genisoglu M, Okten HE, Sofuoglu SC. Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on ambient air quality and excess risk of particulate matter in Turkey. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 5:100239. [PMID: 38620652 PMCID: PMC8427552 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has reached 4 million global cases as of March 10, 2020, has become a worldwide problem. Turkey is one of the most affected (9th in the world) country with 139 771 cases. An intermittent curfew policy that differ for three age groups, and an intercity travel ban varying within the country have been implemented. The effects of changes in social life and industrial activity in terms of environmental pollution are not yet known. The short-term effects on PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, NO, NOx, O3 and CO concentrations measured at 51 air quality measurement stations (AQMS) in 11 cities in March - April period of 2020 were statistically compared with that of the previous year. While PM2.5 (9/14 AQMS) and PM10 (29/35 AQMS) concentrations were not significantly affected, NO (12/24 AQMS), NO2 (20/29 AQMS), NOX (17/25 AQMS) concentrations were decreased, SO2 concentrations at half of the AQMSs (11/25) did not show a significant change. There were stations at which higher pollutant concentrations were measured in the study period in 2020 compared to that of 2019. Excess risks associated with PM2.5 and PM10 were estimated to be variable, albeit with a small difference. In conclusion, the heterogeneous actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mixed effects on ambient air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mesut Genisoglu
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering
| | - Hatice Eser Okten
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering
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Yazdani M, Baboli Z, Maleki H, Birgani YT, Zahiri M, Chaharmahal SSH, Goudarzi M, Mohammadi MJ, Alam K, Sorooshian A, Goudarzi G. Contrasting Iran's air quality improvement during COVID-19 with other global cities. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1801-1806. [PMID: 34493956 PMCID: PMC8412974 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00735-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In late 2019, a novel infectious disease (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan China, which turned into a global pandemic. Countries all over the world have implemented some sort of lockdown to slow down its infection and mitigate it. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air quality during 1st January to 30th April 2020 compared to the same period in 2016-2019 in ten Iranian cities and four major cities in the world. METHODS In this study, the required data were collected from reliable sites. Then, using SPSS and Excel software, the data were analyzed in two intervals before and after the corona pandemic outbreak. The results are provided within tables and charts. RESULTS The current study showed the COVID-19 lockdown positively affected Iran's air quality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the four-month mean air quality index (AQI) values in Tehran, Wuhan, Paris, and Rome were 76, 125, 55, and 60, respectively, which are 8 %, 22 %, 21 %, and 2 % lower than those during the corresponding period (83, 160, 70, and 61) from 2016 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS Although the outbreak of coronavirus has imposed devastating impacts on economy and health, it can have positive effects on air quality, according to the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Yazdani
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zeynab Baboli
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Heidar Maleki
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yaser Tahmasebi Birgani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Zahiri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyede Saba Heydari Chaharmahal
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahdis Goudarzi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Khan Alam
- Department of Physics, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120 Pakistan
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ USA
| | - Gholamreza Goudarzi
- Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Environmental Technologies Research Center (ETRC), Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Liu Z, Skowron K, Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N. The existence, spread, and strategies for environmental monitoring and control of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148949. [PMID: 34252782 PMCID: PMC8262394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most influential infectious disease to emerge in the early 21st century. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a great many deaths and has had a negative impact on the world's economic development. The etiological agent of COVID-19 is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2, which is highly infectious and variable, can be transmitted through different environmental media (gaseous, liquid, and solid). There are many unanswered questions surrounding this virus. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the latest global COVID-19 epidemic situation, SARS-CoV-2 variants, the progress in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine use, and the existence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in gaseous, liquid, and solid media, with particular emphasis on the prevention and control of further spread of the disease. This review aims to help people worldwide to become more familiar with the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental media, so as targeted measures to fight the epidemic, reduce deaths, and restore the economy can be implemented under the pressure of global SARS-CoV-2 vaccine shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchuang Liu
- Green Intelligence Environmental School, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China; Chongqing Multiple-source Technology Engineering Research Center for Ecological Environment Monitoring, Yangtze Normal University, 16 Juxian Rd. Lidu, Fuling District of Chongqing, China.
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum of L. Rydygier in Bydgoszcz, 9 M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Caggiano G, Apollonio F, Triggiano F, Diella G, Stefanizzi P, Lopuzzo M, D’Ambrosio M, Bartolomeo N, Barbuti G, Sorrenti GT, Magarelli P, Sorrenti DP, Marcotrigiano V, De Giglio O, Montagna MT. SARS-CoV-2 and Public Transport in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111415. [PMID: 34769932 PMCID: PMC8582925 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although direct contact is considered the main mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, environmental factors play an important role. In this study, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on bus and train surfaces. From the buses, we took samples from the following areas: handrails used to enter or exit the bus, stop request buttons and handles next to the seats. From the trains, the sampled surfaces were handrails used to enter or exit the train, door open/close buttons, handles next to the seats, tables and toilet handles. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 10.7% of the tested surfaces overall, 19.3% of bus surfaces and 2% of train surfaces (p < 0.0001). On the buses, the most contaminated surfaces were the handles near the seats (12.8%), followed by door open/close buttons (12.5%) and handrails (10.5%). Of the five analyzed transport companies, bus companies were the most contaminated, in particular, companies C (40%) and B (23.3%). A greater number of positive samples were found among those taken at 10:00 a.m. and 10:55 a.m. (45% and 40%, respectively). The presence of the virus on many bus surfaces highlights how the sanitation systems on public transport currently in use are not sufficient to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Caggiano
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Francesca Apollonio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Francesco Triggiano
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-80-5478-475
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Marco Lopuzzo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Marilena D’Ambrosio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Nicola Bartolomeo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Giovanna Barbuti
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti
- Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy; (G.T.S.); (P.M.); (D.P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Pantaleo Magarelli
- Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy; (G.T.S.); (P.M.); (D.P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Domenico Pio Sorrenti
- Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy; (G.T.S.); (P.M.); (D.P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Marcotrigiano
- Local Health Unit BT, Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Barletta-Andria-Trani, 76125 Trani, Italy; (G.T.S.); (P.M.); (D.P.S.); (V.M.)
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (F.A.); (G.D.); (P.S.); (M.L.); (M.D.); (N.B.); (G.B.); (O.D.G.); (M.T.M.)
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Kayalar Ö, Arı A, Babuççu G, Konyalılar N, Doğan Ö, Can F, Şahin ÜA, Gaga EO, Levent Kuzu S, Arı PE, Odabaşı M, Taşdemir Y, Sıddık Cindoruk S, Esen F, Sakın E, Çalışkan B, Tecer LH, Fıçıcı M, Altın A, Onat B, Ayvaz C, Uzun B, Saral A, Döğeroğlu T, Malkoç S, Üzmez ÖÖ, Kunt F, Aydın S, Kara M, Yaman B, Doğan G, Olgun B, Dokumacı EN, Güllü G, Uzunpınar ES, Bayram H. Existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient particulate matter samples: A nationwide study in Turkey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147976. [PMID: 34058581 PMCID: PMC8144095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has been affecting the world since the end of 2019. The disease led to significant mortality and morbidity in Turkey, since the first case was reported on March 11th, 2020. Studies suggest a positive association between air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of ambient particulate matters (PM), as potential carriers for SARS-CoV-2. Ambient PM samples in various size ranges were collected from 13 sites including urban and urban-background locations and hospital gardens in 10 cities across Turkey between 13th of May and 14th of June 2020 to investigate the possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient PM. A total of 203 daily samples (TSP, n = 80; PM2.5, n = 33; PM2.5-10, n = 23; PM10μm, n = 19; and 6 size segregated PM, n = 48) were collected using various samplers. The N1 gene and RdRP gene expressions were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to real time (RT)-PCR and three-dimensional (3D) digital (d) PCR analysis, dual RdRP and N1 gene positivity were detected in 20 (9.8%) samples. Ambient PM-bound SARS-CoV-2 was analyzed quantitatively and the air concentrations of the virus ranged from 0.1 copies/m3 to 23 copies/m3. The highest percentages of virus detection on PM samples were from hospital gardens in Tekirdağ, Zonguldak, and Istanbul, especially in PM2.5 mode. Findings of this study have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may be transported by ambient particles, especially at sites close to the infection hot-spots. However, whether this has an impact on the spread of the virus infection remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özgecan Kayalar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Akif Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy Campus, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Gizem Babuççu
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Konyalılar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Doğan
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Füsun Can
- Koc University Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ülkü A Şahin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - S Levent Kuzu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering Faculty, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pelin Ertürk Arı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Gölköy Campus, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Odabaşı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yücel Taşdemir
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - S Sıddık Cindoruk
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Fatma Esen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Egemen Sakın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Burak Çalışkan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Lokman H Tecer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Çorlu Faculty of Engineering, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Merve Fıçıcı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Çorlu Faculty of Engineering, Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Altın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Burcu Onat
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Coşkun Ayvaz
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Uzun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arslan Saral
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering Faculty, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Döğeroğlu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Semra Malkoç
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Özden Üzmez
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kunt
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Senar Aydın
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Melik Kara
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Barış Yaman
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Güray Doğan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Bihter Olgun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ebru N Dokumacı
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gülen Güllü
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elif S Uzunpınar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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48
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Lee BU. Why Does the SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC Spread So Rapidly? Universal Conditions for the Rapid Spread of Respiratory Viruses, Minimum Viral Loads for Viral Aerosol Generation, Effects of Vaccination on Viral Aerosol Generation, and Viral Aerosol Clouds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9804. [PMID: 34574724 PMCID: PMC8470664 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzes the reasons the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant of concern (VOC) spreads so rapidly. Novel topics such as universal conditions for the rapid spread of respiratory viruses, minimum viral loads for viral aerosol generation, effects of vaccination on viral aerosol generation, and viral aerosol clouds were studied. The analyses were based on experimental results and analytic model studies. Four universal conditions, namely asymptomatic host, high viral load, stability of viruses in air, and binding affinity of viruses to human cells, need to be satisfied for the rapid spread of respiratory viruses. SARS-CoV-2 and its variants such as the Alpha VOC and Delta VOC satisfy the four fundamental conditions. In addition, there is an original principle of aerosol generation of respiratory viruses. Assuming that the aerosol-droplet cutoff particle diameter for distinguishing potential aerosols from earthbound respiratory particles is 100 μm, the minimum viral load required in respiratory fluids to generate viral aerosols is ~106 copies mL-1, which is within the range of the reported viral loads in the Alpha VOC cases and the Delta VOC cases. The daily average viral loads of the Delta VOC in hosts have been reported to be between ~109 copies mL-1 and ~1010 copies mL-1 during the four days after symptom onset in 1848 cases of the Delta VOC infection. Owing to the high viral load, the SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC has the potential to effectively spread through aerosols. COVID-19 vaccination can decrease aerosol transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha VOC by reducing the viral load. The viral load can explain the conundrum of viral aerosol spreading. The SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC aerosol clouds have been assumed to be formed in restricted environments, resulting in a massive numbers of infected people in a very short period with a high spreading speed. Strong control methods against bioaerosols should be considered in this SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC pandemic. Large-scale environmental monitoring campaigns of SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC aerosols in public places in many countries are necessary, and these activities could contribute to controlling the coronavirus disease pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Uk Lee
- Aerosol and Bioengineering Laboratory, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
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49
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Myers NT, Han TT, Li ML, Brewer G, Harper M, Mainelis G. Impact of sampling and storage stress on the recovery of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus surrogate captured by filtration. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2021; 18:461-475. [PMID: 34197274 PMCID: PMC9563239 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.1948047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Environmental air sampling of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in occupational and community settings is pertinent to reduce and monitor the spread of the COVID pandemic. However, there is a general lack of standardized procedures for airborne virus sampling and limited knowledge of how sampling and storage stress impact the recovery of captured airborne viruses. Since filtration is one of the commonly used methods to capture airborne viruses, this study analyzed the effect of sampling and storage stress on SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus (human coronavirus OC43, or HCoV-OC43) captured by filters. HCoV-OC43, a simulant of the SARS-CoV-2, was aerosolized and captured by PTFE-laminated filters. The impact of sampling stress was evaluated by comparing the RNA yields recovered when sampled at 3 L/min and 10 L/min and for 10 min and 60 min; in one set of experiments, additional stress was added by passing clean air through filters with the virus for 1, 5, and 15 hr. The impact of storage stress was designed to examine RNA recovery from filters at room temperature (25 °C) and refrigerated conditions (4 °C) for up to 1 week of storage. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using HCoV-OC43 aerosol in air sampling experiments, and the mode diameter of the virus aerosolized from the growth medium was 40-60 nm as determined by SMPS + CPC system (TSI Inc.) and MiniWRAS (Grimm Inc.) measurements. No significant difference was found in virus recovery between the two sampling flow rates and different sampling times (p > 0.05). However, storage at room temperature (25 °C) yielded ∼2x less RNA than immediate processing and storage at refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Therefore, it is recommended to store filter samples with viruses at 4 °C up to 1 week if the immediate analysis is not feasible. Although the laminated PTFE filter used in this work purposefully does not include a non-PTFE backing, the general recommendations for handling and storing filter samples with viral particles are likely to apply to other filter types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala T Myers
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Taewon T Han
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Mei-Ling Li
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Gary Brewer
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Martin Harper
- Environmental Express®, Ocala, Florida
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Gediminas Mainelis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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50
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Sodiq A, Khan MA, Naas M, Amhamed A. Addressing COVID-19 contagion through the HVAC systems by reviewing indoor airborne nature of infectious microbes: Will an innovative air recirculation concept provide a practical solution? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111329. [PMID: 34004171 PMCID: PMC8123526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
As the world continues to grapple with the reality of coronavirus disease, global research communities are racing to develop practical solutions to adjust to the new challenges. One such challenge is the control of indoor air quality in the COVID-19 era and beyond. Since COVID-19 became a global pandemic, the "super spread" of the virus has continued to amaze policymakers despite measures put in place by public health officials to sensitize the general public on the need for social distancing, personal hygiene, etc. In this work, we have reviewed the literature to demonstrate, by investigating the historical and present circumstances, that indoor spread of infectious diseases may be assisted by the conditions of the HVAC systems. While little consideration has been given to the possibility of indoor airborne transmission of the virus, the available reports have demonstrated that the virus, with average aerodynamic diameter up to 80-120 nm, is viable as aerosol in indoor atmosphere for more than 3 h, and its spread may be assisted by the HVAC systems. Having reviewed the vulnerability of the conventional ventilation systems, we recommend innovative air circulation concept supported by the use of UVGI in combination with nanoporous air filter to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other harmful microbes in enclosed spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sodiq
- Qatar Environment and Energy Institute (QEERI), Qatar.
| | | | - Mahmoud Naas
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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