Air cleaners and respiratory infections in schools: A modeling study using epidemiological, environmental, and molecular data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Using a multiple-measurement approach, we examined the real-world effectiveness of portable HEPA-air filtration devices (air cleaners) in a school setting.

Methods

We collected environmental (CO₂, particle concentrations), epidemiological (absences related to respiratory infections), audio (coughing), and molecular data (bioaerosol and saliva samples) over seven weeks during winter 2022/2023 in two Swiss secondary school classes. Using a cross-over study design, we compared particle concentrations, coughing, and the risk of infection with vs without air cleaners.

Results

All 38 students (age 13-15 years) participated. With air cleaners, mean particle concentration decreased by 77% (95% credible interval 63%-86%). There were no differences in CO

SUBMITTER: Banholzer N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10793541 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature