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Kumari P, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW, Chowdhury R, Gitifar A, Richter A. Variability of the treated biomedical waste disposal behaviours during the COVID lockdowns. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:24480-24491. [PMID: 38441741 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32764-6] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6 kg∙capita-1∙year-1. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month-1∙truckload-1) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kumari
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
| | - Rumpa Chowdhury
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Arash Gitifar
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regain, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
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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 2024:1-65. [PMID: 38385569 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2308731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Limper HM, Sier A, Warye K, Spencer M, Graves P, Edmiston CE. A Review of the Evidence on the Role of Floors and Shoes in the Dissemination of Pathogens in a Healthcare Setting. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2024; 25:46-55. [PMID: 38181189 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2023.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: It is generally accepted that shoes and floors are contaminated with pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and Clostridium difficile, yet correlation to clinical infection is not well established. Because floors and shoes are low-touch surfaces, these are considered non-critical surfaces for cleaning and disinfection. The purpose of this review is to assess peer-reviewed literature inclusive of floors and shoe soles as contributors to the dissemination of infectious pathogens within healthcare settings. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) methodology, PubMed and Medline were searched for articles assessing the presence of pathogens on or the transmission of pathogens between or from floors or shoe soles/shoe covers. Inclusion criteria are the human population within healthcare or controlled experimental settings after 1999 and available in English. Results: Four hundred eighteen articles were screened, and 18 articles documented recovery of bacterial and viral pathogens from both floors and shoes. Seventy-two percent (13/18) of these were published after 2015, showing increased consideration of the transfer of pathogens to high-touch surfaces from shoe soles or floors during patient care. Conclusions: There is evidence that floors and shoes in healthcare settings are contaminated with several different species of health-care-associated pathogens including MRSA, VRE, and Clostridium difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Limper
- TTi Health Research and Economics, Westminster, Maryland, USA
- Pragmatic Evaluation & Design Specialists, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ashley Sier
- TTi Health Research and Economics, Westminster, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathy Warye
- Infection Prevention Partners, Sonoma, California, USA
| | - Maureen Spencer
- Infection Preventionist Consultants, Halifax, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Charles E Edmiston
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Hardison RL, Lee SD, Limmer R, Marx J, Taylor BM, Barriga D, Nelson SW, Feliciano-Ruiz N, Stewart MJ, Calfee MW, James RR, Ryan SP, Howard MW. Sampling and recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 from high-touch surfaces by sponge stick and macrofoam swab. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:506-519. [PMID: 37382490 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2023.2231516] [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: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Effective sampling for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a common approach for monitoring disinfection efficacy and effective environmental surveillance. This study evaluated sampling efficiency and limits of detection (LODs) of macrofoam swab and sponge stick sampling methods for recovering infectious SARS-CoV-2 and viral RNA (vRNA) from surfaces. Macrofoam swab and sponge stick methods were evaluated for collection of SARS-CoV-2 suspended in a soil load from 6-in2 coupons composed of four materials: stainless steel (SS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, bus seat fabric, and Formica. Recovery of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was more efficient than vRNA recovery on all materials except Formica (macrofoam swab sampling) and ABS (sponge stick sampling). Macrofoam swab sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from Formica than ABS and SS, and sponge stick sampling recovered significantly more vRNA from ABS than Formica and SS, suggesting that material and sampling method choice can affect surveillance results. Time since initial contamination significantly affected infectious virus recovery from all materials, with vRNA recovery showing limited to no difference, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 vRNA can remain detectable after viral infectivity has dissipated. This study showed that a complex relationship exists between sampling method, material, time from contamination to sampling, and recovery of SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, data show that careful consideration be used when selecting surface types for sampling and interpreting SARS-CoV-2 vRNA recovery with respect to presence of infectious virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sang Don Lee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Joel Marx
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael J Stewart
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - M Worth Calfee
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Shawn P Ryan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Zambrana W, Boehm AB. Occurrence of Human Viruses on Fomites in the Environment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2023; 3:277-294. [PMID: 37743950 PMCID: PMC10515712 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Documenting the occurrence of viruses on fomites is crucial in determining the significance of fomite-mediated transmission and the potential use of fomites for environmental disease surveillance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile information on the occurrence of human viruses on fomites in the environment; we identified 134 peer-reviewed papers. We compiled sampling and measurement methods, results, quality control information, and whether virus data were compared with community health data from the papers. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to investigate if presence of virus on fomites was associated with virus type (enveloped, nonenveloped), sampling location (healthcare setting, nonhealthcare temporary setting, nonhealthcare nontemporary setting), and area of fomite swabbed (<50, 50-100, >100 cm2). Across 275 data sets from the 134 papers, there was the most data available for Coronaviridae and from fomites at hospitals. Positivity rates, defined as the percent positive fomite samples, were low (median = 6%). Data were available on viruses from 16 different viral families, but data on viruses from 9 families had few (n < 5) data sets. Many human virus families were not identified in this review (11 families). Less than 15% of the data sets reported virus concentrations in externally valid units (viruses per area of surface), and 16% provided a quantitative comparison between virus and health data. Virus type and area swabbed were significant predictors of virus presence on fomites, and the positivity rate of data sets collected from healthcare settings and nonhealthcare nontemporary settings (e.g., individual housing) were significantly higher than those collected in nonhealthcare temporary settings (e.g., restaurants). Data from this review indicates that viruses may be present on fomites, that fomite-mediated virus transmission may occur, and that fomites may provide information on circulation of infectious diseases in the community. However, more quantitative data on diverse viruses are needed, and method reporting needs significant improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Zambrana
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexandria B. Boehm
- Department
of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Noorimotlagh Z, Mirzaee SA, Seif F, Kalantar M, Roghani T, Mousavi SA, Honarmandpour A. Detection of different variants of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13058. [PMID: 37567996 PMCID: PMC10421847 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40342-y] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Noorimotlagh
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abbas Mirzaee
- Health and Environment Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Department of Basic Sciences, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Kalantar
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Roghani
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mousavi
- Department of Public Health, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Science, Shoushtar, Iran
| | - Azam Honarmandpour
- Department of Midwifery, Shoushtar Faculty of Medical Sciences, Shoushtar, Iran
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AMODEO DAVIDE, LIMAJ SANDRO, DE PALMA ISA, NANTE NICOLA, CEVENINI GABRIELE, MESSINA GABRIELE. Can a UV-C box help the cinema industry by disinfecting video cameras? JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2023; 64:E137-E144. [PMID: 37654857 PMCID: PMC10468181 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2023.64.2.2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction UV-C has proven to be an effective virucide and microbicide, and its cost-effectiveness allowed it to spread as a disinfecting procedure in different environments. Methods The study aims to determine the microbicide activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and SARS-CoV-2 of the UV-C Boxer by Cartoni S.p.A. Three separate experiments were performed to assess the effectiveness of the UV-C disinfection device on different materials, directly on surfaces of a video camera and on a specific carrier for SARS-CoV-2. Results In all three experiments, a significant abatement of bacterial and viral contamination was reached after 60 seconds on carriers and after 3 minutes on all examined surfaces of the video camera, with a higher reduction on glass carriers. Conclusions UV-C devices may be a valuable tool to implement in the working routine to achieve a higher level of safety in work environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- DAVIDE AMODEO
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - SANDRO LIMAJ
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - ISA DE PALMA
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - NICOLA NANTE
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - GABRIELE CEVENINI
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - GABRIELE MESSINA
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Post Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Salvador Costa MJ, Melo P, Azeiteiro U, Carvalho S, Ryan R. Nursing Interventions to Reduce Health Risks from Climate Change Impact in Urban Areas: A Scoping Review Protocol. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:496-505. [PMID: 36976697 PMCID: PMC10051177 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering that the public health sector has been considered as a key stakeholder in climate action, it seems important to understand what interventions are carried out globally by trusted professionals such as nurses engaged in health promotion and environmental health in optimizing the health of individuals, families, and communities toward the dissemination of lifestyle decarbonization and guidance on healthier climate-related choices. The objective of this review was to understand the extent and type of evidence related to the community-based interventions of nurses that are being led or have been implemented thus far with the aim of reducing the health risks from climate change impact in urban areas. The present protocol follows the JBI methodological framework. Databases to be searched include PubMed, MEDLINE complete, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), and BASE (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine). Hand searched references were also considered for inclusion. This review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies from 2008 onwards. Systematic reviews, text, opinion papers, and the gray literature in English and Portuguese were also considered. Mapping the nurse led interventions or those that have been implemented thus far in urban areas may lead to further reviews that may help identify the best practices and gaps within the field. The results are presented in tabular format alongside a narrative summary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Salvador Costa
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (Lisboa), Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Melo
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (Porto), Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ulisses Azeiteiro
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara Carvalho
- CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Robert Ryan
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, University of Massachusetts, 109 Hills North, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Cai Y, Zhao Y, Yadav AK, Ji B, Kang P, Wei T. Ozone based inactivation and disinfection in the pandemic time and beyond: Taking forward what has been learned and best practice. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160711. [PMID: 36496014 PMCID: PMC9727960 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale global COVID-19 has a profound impact on human society. Timely and effectively blocking the virus spread is the key to controlling the pandemic growth. Ozone-based inactivation and disinfection techniques have been shown to effectively kill SARS-CoV-2 in water, aerosols and on solid surface. However, the lack of an unified information and discussion on ozone-based inactivation and disinfection in current and previous pandemics and the absence of consensus on the main mechanisms by which ozone-based inactivation of pandemic causing viruses have hindered the possibility of establishing a common basis for identifying best practices in the utilization of ozone technology. This article reviews the research status of ozone (O3) disinfection on pandemic viruses (especially SARS-CoV-2). Taking sterilization kinetics as the starting point while followed by distinguishing the pandemic viruses by enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, this review focuses on analyzing the scope of application of the sterilization model and the influencing factors from the experimental studies and data induction. It is expected that the review could provide an useful reference for the safe and effective O3 utilization of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Yaqian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China.
| | - Asheesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; School of Civil Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Peiying Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, School of Water Resources and Hydroelectric Engineering, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China
| | - Ting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-Hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, PR China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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The Circulation of Common Respiratory Viruses and Their Co-infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Before and After Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Vaccination. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm-133326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Respiratory viruses play important roles in respiratory tract infections; they are the major cause of diseases such as the common cold, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc., in humans that circulate more often in the cold seasons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many strict public health measures, such as hand hygiene, the use of face masks, social distancing, and quarantines, were implemented worldwide to control the pandemic. Besides controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, these introduced measures might change the spread of other common respiratory viruses. Moreover, with COVID-19 vaccination and reducing public health protocols, the circulation of other respiratory viruses probably increases in the community. Objectives: This study aims to explore changes in the circulation pattern of common respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the circulation of seven common respiratory viruses (influenza viruses A and B, rhinovirus, and seasonal human Coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1) and their co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 in suspected cases of COVID-19 in two time periods before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Clinical nasopharyngeal swabs of 400 suspected cases of COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and seven common respiratory viruses by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Our results showed common respiratory viruses were detected only in 10% and 8% of SARS-CoV-2-positive samples before and after vaccination, respectively, in which there were not any significant differences between them (P-value = 0.14). Moreover, common viral respiratory infections were found only in 12% and 32% of SARS-CoV-2-negative specimens before and after vaccination, respectively, in which there was a significant difference between them (P-value = 0.041). Conclusions: Our data showed a low rate of co-infection of other respiratory viruses with SARS-CoV-2 at both durations, before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, the circulation of common respiratory viruses before the COVID-19 vaccination was lower, probably due to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI), while virus activity (especially influenza virus A) was significantly increased after COVID-19 vaccination with reducing strict public health measures.
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Lei N, Li BX, Zhang KF, Bao H, Ding J, Wang Y. Analysis of the Protective Effect of Infection Controllers Supervising Third-Party Personnel Entering and Leaving Shanghai Fangcang Shelter Hospital. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:7519-7527. [PMID: 36570712 PMCID: PMC9788835 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s388707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the impact of the new supervision and management methods of infection controllers on the protection of third-party personnel entering and leaving Shanghai Fangcang shelter hospital, to provide a reference for the management of third-party personnel in Fangcang shelter hospitals. Methods A total of 200 third-party personnel received with traditional supervision and management methods, and 156 received new supervision and management methods from the Fangcang shelter hospital of the Shanghai International Convention and Exhibition Center. The sociodemographic characteristics of third-party personnel, including gender, age, education level, work experience in fighting the epidemic with safety awareness, was analyzed. The effects of the two different management modes on the protection of third-party personnel were statistically analyzed by the Chi-square test or logistic regression analysis. Results There were statistically significant differences in the incidence of infection among third-party personnel in terms of age, education level, work experience in fighting the epidemic in traditional supervision and management group, and whether they accepted the new supervision and management model had statistically significant differences (p <0.05). The main causes of incorrect put on and take off protective clothing, such as wrong way to detach the face screen, wrong way to remove goggles, wrong way to undress protective clothing, wrong way to take off the shoe cover, hand washing steps omitted, are that causes infection of third-party personnel (p <0.05). Conclusion The new supervision and management model can reduce the infection rate of third-party personnel in Fangcang shelter hospitals through planned and purposeful training in terms of different age groups, education levels, work experience, and acceptance of protection knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Lei
- Department of Disinfection and Supply, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bi-Xi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai-Fen Zhang
- Department of Outpatient, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Bao
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Disinfection and Supply, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jian Ding; Yan Wang, Department of Disinfection and Supply, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, 627#, Wuluo Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430070, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18971123442, Fax +86-27-50772953, Email ;
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Disinfection and Supply, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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Hsu FF, Yang CJ, Tsai MS, Tsai HY, Chen HA, Liao CH. Control of an outbreak of COVID-19 at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2022; 55:1052-1059. [PMID: 36028414 PMCID: PMC9359752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has circulated in Taiwan since late 2019. Healthcare facilities are vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks due to clusters of symptomatic patients and susceptible hosts. Prompt control of outbreaks is crucial. In May 2021, an index case of COVID-19 was detected at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) in New Taipei City, Taiwan, 3 days after hospital admission, spreading to 26 patients and staff. Herein we evaluate control of this COVID-1 outbreak. METHODS To control the outbreak, the index case ward was closed, and large-scale COVID-19 testing (RT PCR) was performed for all inpatients, caregivers and healthcare workers (HCWs). All exposed persons were quarantined. Thorough investigation was conducted to analyze the transmission route. RESULTS The outbreak comprised 12 patients, 12 caregivers, and 3 HCWs. Seven patients expired and the remaining cases recovered. Overall, 456 patients/caregivers and 169 HCWs were quarantined. Analysis showed that longer exposure time was the main cause of HCW infection; all three infected HCWs were primary-care nurses related to the index case. To diminish hidden cases, all hospitalized patients/caregivers received PCR examinations and all results were negative. Thereafter, all patients/caregivers routinely received PCR examination on admission. Hospital-wide PCR screening for HCW detected 4 positive HCWs unrelated to this outbreak, and a second-round of screening detected 2 more cases, with no additional cases during the following 6 months. CONCLUSION Prompt infection control measures and large-scale PCR screening can control a COVID-19 outbreak within 2 weeks. Exposure time is the major risk factor for HCW infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Hsu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsih-Yeh Tsai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hong-An Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsing Liao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan.
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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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Di Biagio K, Baldini M, Dolcini J, Serafini P, Sarti D, Dorillo I, Ranzi A, Settimo G, Bartolacci S, Simeoni TV, Prospero E. Atmospheric particulate matter effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection and spreading dynamics: A spatio-temporal point process model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113617. [PMID: 35667404 PMCID: PMC9164771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113617] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) may play a role in differential distribution and transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2. For public health surveillance, identification of factors affecting the transmission dynamics concerning the endemic (persistent sporadic) and epidemic (rapidly clustered) component of infection can help to implement intervention strategies to reduce the disease burden. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of long-term residential exposure to outdoor PM ≤ 10 μm (PM10) concentrations on SARS-CoV-2 incidence and on its spreading dynamics in Marche region (Central Italy) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (February to May 2020), using the endemic-epidemic spatio-temporal regression model for individual-level data. Environmental and climatic factors were estimated at 10 km2 grid cells. 10-years average exposure to PM10 was associated with an increased risk of new endemic (Rate Ratio for 10 μg/m3 increase 1.14, 95%CI 1.04-1.24) and epidemic (Rate Ratio 1.15, 95%CI 1.08-1.22) infection. Male gender, older age, living in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities residence and socio-economic deprivation index increased Rate Ratio (RR) in epidemic component. Lockdown increased the risk of becoming positive to SARS-CoV-2 as concerning endemic component while it reduced virus spreading in epidemic one. Increased temperature was associated with a reduction of endemic and epidemic infection. Results showed an increment of RR for exposure to increased levels of PM10 both in endemic and epidemic components. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve air quality in most polluted areas, where deprived populations are more likely to live, to minimize the burden of endemic and epidemic COVID-19 disease and to reduce unequal distribution of health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuscia Di Biagio
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit - Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Marco Baldini
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit - Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jacopo Dolcini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene - Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pietro Serafini
- Medical Direction Department, Local Health Authority of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Donatella Sarti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene - Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Irene Dorillo
- Air Quality Unit, Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ranzi
- Centre for Environmental Health and Prevention, Regional Agency for Prevention, Environment and Energy of Emilia-Romagna, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Bartolacci
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit - Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Thomas Valerio Simeoni
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit - Regional Environmental Protection Agency of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Emilia Prospero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene - Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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Wang Q, Zhang M, Li R. The COVID-19 pandemic reshapes the plastic pollution research - A comparative analysis of plastic pollution research before and during the pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112634. [PMID: 34973197 PMCID: PMC8715631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112634] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution worldwide. So has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the research on plastic pollution? This work aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on plastic pollution research by comprehensively assessing the current status and prospects of plastic pollution research before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A collection of publications on the topic of plastic pollution in the Web of Science database concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the plastic pollution research: (i) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the trend of plastic pollution publication output. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of publications on the topic of plastic pollution has shown a significant increase trend; (ii) The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed the global research landscape of research on the plastic pollution. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, more and more countries have begun to pay attention to plastic pollution. Before the pandemic, developed countries were global leaders in plastic pollution research. However, during the pandemic, developing countries began to have a significant share in the quality, quantity and international cooperation of publications; (iii) The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the major hotspots of plastic pollution research. The focus of research has changed significantly since the pandemic. Solving plastic pollution has become a major research content. During the epidemic, in-depth research on microplastics was conducted. The results of mining the publications on plastic pollution show that there is currently no effective solution to plastic pollution caused by the COVID-19. However, given the seriousness of controlling plastic pollution, it is very necessary to continue to carry out more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
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Dol J, Boulos L, Somerville M, Saxinger L, Doroshenko A, Hastings S, Reynolds B, Gallant A, Shin HD, Wong H, Crowther D, Macdonald M, Martin-Misener R, McCulloch H, Tricco AC, Curran JA. Health system impacts of SARS-CoV − 2 variants of concern: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:544. [PMID: 35461246 PMCID: PMC9034743 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07847-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As of November 25th 2021, four SARS-CoV − 2 variants of concern (VOC: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), and Delta (B.1.617.2)) have been detected. Variable degrees of increased transmissibility of the VOC have been documented, with potential implications for hospital and health system capacity and control measures. This rapid review aimed to provide a synthesis of evidence related to health system responses to the emergence of VOC worldwide. Methods Seven databases were searched up to September 27, 2021, for terms related to VOC. Titles, abstracts, and full-text documents were screened independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardized form. Studies were included if they reported on at least one of the VOC and health system outcomes. Results Of the 4877 articles retrieved, 59 studies were included, which used a wide range of designs and methods. Most of the studies reported on Alpha, and all except two reported on impacts for capacity planning related to hospitalization, intensive care admissions, and mortality. Most studies (73.4%) observed an increase in hospitalization, but findings on increased admission to intensive care units were mixed (50%). Most studies (63.4%) that reported mortality data found an increased risk of death due to VOC, although health system capacity may influence this. No studies reported on screening staff and visitors or cohorting patients based on VOC. Conclusion While the findings should be interpreted with caution as most of the sources identified were preprints, evidence is trending towards an increased risk of hospitalization and, potentially, mortality due to VOC compared to wild-type SARS-CoV − 2. There is little evidence on the need for, and the effect of, changes to health system arrangements in response to VOC transmission. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07847-0.
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Brohan MA, Dom NC, Ishak AR, Abdullah S, Salim H, Ismail SNS, Precha N. An analysis on the effect of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic movement control order (MCOS) on the solid waste generation in Peninsular Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:66501-66509. [PMID: 34665420 PMCID: PMC8524402 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study intends to deal with the environmental consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, by providing a summary of the effects of COVID-19 on municipal solid waste (MSW). In this analysis, the data on domestic waste collection were collected from the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 to evaluate the relative changes in MSW percentage via a waste weighing method. The data consisted of the cumulative tonnage of MSW for every local authority in Peninsular Malaysia and was classified according to MCO phases; before the MCO, during the MCO, during the conditional MCO (CMCO) and during the recovery MCO (RMCO) phases. The results indicated that the enforcement of the early MCO showed a positive effect by decreasing the volume of MSW. This decrease was noted across 41 local authorities, which accounts for 87.23% of Peninsular Malaysia. However, the amount of MSW began to increase again when the MCO reached the conditional and recovery stages. From this, it can be concluded that the implementation of the MCO, in its various incarnations, has shown us that our lifestyles can have a harmful impact on our environment. While the pandemic was still spreading and limitations were still in place in Malaysia, local governments and waste management companies had to quickly alter their waste management systems and procedures. The current circumstance allows us to rethink our social and economic structures while improving environmental and social inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Afiq Brohan
- Centre of Environmental Health and Safety Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UITM Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nazri Che Dom
- Centre of Environmental Health and Safety Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UITM Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Integrated Mosquito Research Group (I-MeRGe), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UITM Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Razali Ishak
- Centre of Environmental Health and Safety Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), UITM Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samsuri Abdullah
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Hasber Salim
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed Ismail
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nopadol Precha
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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Gibson J, Farnood R, Barbeau B. Kinetics and Monte Carlo simulation of UV disinfection of B. subtilis spores and SARS-CoV-2 in dried saliva droplets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:61853-61859. [PMID: 34595717 PMCID: PMC8483804 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16537-z] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Surfaces can be contaminated by droplets produced through coughing or sneezing. In this exploratory work, the UV disinfection results of Bacillus subtilis spores in dried saliva droplets were fitted to a three-parameter kinetic model (R2 ≥ 0.97). This model has a disinfection rate constant for single organisms and a smaller one for aggregates found in droplets. The fraction of organisms found in aggregates (β) could account for the effects of different-sized droplets in the experimental work. Since a wide spectrum of droplet sizes can be produced, and some of the rate constants were uncertain, Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the UV inactivation performance in dried saliva droplets in a variety of conditions. Using conservative distribution for β, the model was applied to the UV disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 in dried saliva droplets. It was shown that a one-log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 was very likely (p>99.9%) and a two-log reduction was probable (p=75%) at a dose of 60 mJ/cm2. Aggregates tend to be variable and limit the log reductions that can be achieved at high UV doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gibson
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St., Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada.
| | - Ramin Farnood
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Department of Civil, Geological, and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, 2500 Chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
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