Indoor Air Quality Conditions and Respiratory Virus Detections in Elementary Schools-Kansas City, Missouri, February-March 2023.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Respiratory viruses circulate year-round and can spread indoors via inhalation of airborne particles. Effective ventilation and filtration may reduce transmission, particularly in school settings where children and staff spend significant time. This study examines the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation in schools on respiratory virus detection.

Methods

During February 27 to March 30, 2023, we assessed the relationship between IAQ and respiratory viruses in two Kansas City, Missouri, elementary schools by collecting bioaerosol samples, student and staff nasal swabs, and monitoring IAQ across 10 rooms (six classrooms, two common spaces, and two nurses' offices). We calculated air changes per hour ( ACH ) and analyzed viral detections in na

SUBMITTER: Almendares OM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12416244 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature