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 air changes per hour (

SUBMITTER: Zand MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10990219 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature