The role of airborne particles and environmental considerations in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Geo-environmental parametric 3D models of SARS-CoV-2 virus circulation in hospital ventilation systems

“…The dynamics of atmospheric contamination by microorganisms and aggregates in ultrafine particles suspended in the air on a global scale is a frontier theme in geo-environmental studies ( Silva et al, 2020 , Oliveira et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 , Silva et al, 2021 ). Neckel et al (2021) reported that moving air could carry fungi, viruses and bacteria to other regions, thus spreading environmental contamination.…”

“…The SARS-CoV-2 virus has devastated people and their lives in many regions of the world through the respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19, which can cause severe illness leading to death ( Cao et al, 2021 , Jansi et al, 2021 ). Due to the easy and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the mortality rates in many countries in the world is alarming, in addition to generating severe negative social and economic impacts ( Cao et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ). The World Health Organization reported a global death toll of 3,104,743 from SARS-CoV-2 as of April 26, 2021 (WHO, 2021).…”

“…The present study stems from the possible displacement and transport of SARS-CoV-2 virus in ultrafine particles suspended in the hospital environment, considering the different dynamics of air movement, circulation, and internal air quality ( Cao et al, 2021 , Hadei et al, 2021 , López et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ;). It is essential to assess the air quality in hospitals that were built quickly, and to ensure that the risks of contamination are indeed low in these facilities ( Chen et al, 2021 ), or if the novel coronavirus is unimpeded in its ability to move throughout.…”

“…Ultrafine particles which contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus are easily suspended in the air and have the propensity to travel great distances due to their aerodynamic diameters ≤ 10 μm (≤ PM10). SARS-CoV-2 has been found on particles even smaller than 1 μm (≤ PM1) ( López et al, 2021 , Robotto et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ).…”

“…SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been shown to occur in environments outside hospital settings through ventilation as well ( Hadei et al, 2021 , López et al, 2021 , Robotto et al, 2021 , Shao et al, 2021 ). For this reason, the evaluation of the internal ventilation system of hospitals with modular architecture can assess and predict possible risks of contamination through air circulation.…”