Removal of SARS-CoV-2 bioaerosols using ultraviolet air filtration
Roy E. Barnewall, Werner Bischoff
Abstract
Engineering controls play an important role in reducing the spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).1 Established technologies such as air filtration, and novel approaches such as ultraviolet (UV)-C light or plasma air ionization, have the potential to support the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.2 We tested the efficacy of an air purification system (APS) combining UV-C light and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration in a controlled environment using SARS-CoV-2 as test organism. The APS successfully removed the virus from the air using UV-C light by itself and in combination with HEPA air filtration.
Topics & Concepts
Indoor bioaerosolSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakAir filtrationFiltration (mathematics)UltravioletSars virusBioaerosolBetacoronavirusEnvironmental scienceMedicineVirologyChemistryEnvironmental chemistryMaterials scienceEnvironmental engineeringAerosolIndoor air qualityInfectious disease (medical specialty)OptoelectronicsInternal medicineOrganic chemistryMathematicsStatisticsDiseaseOutbreakInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsInhalation and Respiratory Drug Delivery