Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

ABSTRACT:

Background

This study examined the correlation of classroom ventilation (air exchanges per hour (ACH)) and exposure to CO₂ ≥1,000 ppm with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 over a 20-month period in a specialized school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These students were at a higher risk of respiratory infection from SARS-CoV-2 due to challenges in tolerating mitigation measures (e.g. masking). One in-school measure proposed to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in schools is increased ventilation.

Methods

We established a community-engaged research partnership between the University of Rochester and the Mary Cariola Center school for students with IDD. Ambient CO₂ levels were measured in 100 school rooms, and

SUBMITTER: Zand MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10508805 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature