Particulate matter (PM2.5) as a potential SARS-CoV-2 carrier
Norefrina Shafinaz Md Nor, Chee Wai Yip, Nazlina Ibrahim, Mohd Hasni Jaáfar, Zetti Zainol Rashid, Norlaila Mustafa, Haris Hafizal Abd Hamid, Kuhan Chandru, Mohd Talib Latif, Phei Er Saw, Chin Yik Lin, Kemal Maulana Alhasa, Jamal Hisham Hashim, Mohd Shahrul Mohd Nadzir
Abstract
Abstract The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic had raised questions on the route of transmission of this disease. Initial understanding was that transmission originated from respiratory droplets from an infected host to a susceptible host. However, indirect contact transmission of viable virus by fomites and through aerosols has also been suggested. Herein, we report the involvement of fine indoor air particulates with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) as the virus’s transport agent. PM 2.5 was collected over four weeks during 48-h measurement intervals in four separate hospital wards containing different infected clusters in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our results indicated the highest SARS-CoV-2 RNA on PM 2.5 in the ward with number of occupants. We suggest a link between the virus-laden PM 2.5 and the ward’s design. Patients’ symptoms and numbers influence the number of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA with PM 2.5 in an enclosed environment.