New research indicates that installing HEPA air purifiers in U.S. classrooms may not significantly lower students’ exposure to respiratory viruses. An analysis of data from 200 classrooms revealed that even with HEPA purifiers, airborne respiratory virus levels remained elevated. The study, part of the School Inner-City Asthma Intervention Study (SICAS-2), examined air samples taken from classrooms with portable HEPA purifiers versus those without. Results showed that 98% of samples contained viral material, with an average of three different viruses detected in each classroom, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
While classrooms with HEPA purifiers exhibited a 32% reduction in viral diversity, this did not result in fewer school absences or a significant decrease in viral exposure overall. Additionally, low humidity levels were found to be associated with higher concentrations of viruses, suggesting that controlling humidity could be an important factor in reducing airborne transmission.
Researchers emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach to improve air quality in schools, including enhancing ventilation, managing humidity, and implementing public health measures.
- Why it matters:
- The findings could influence school policies on air quality and health measures in classrooms.
- Businesses providing air quality solutions may need to reconsider the efficacy of HEPA filters in educational settings.
- The latest: The study suggests that maintaining classroom humidity between 40% and 60% might help reduce viral exposures.
Source: https://airqualitynews.com/headlines/purifiers-alone-not-enough-to-cut-viral-exposure-in-classrooms/
Source: https://airqualitynews.com/headlines/purifiers-alone-not-enough-to-cut-viral-exposure-in-classrooms/