Detection of viruses in used ventilation filters from two large public buildings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Viral and bacterial pathogens may be present in the air after being released from infected individuals and animals. Filters are installed in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems of buildings to protect ventilation equipment and maintain healthy indoor air quality. These filters process enormous volumes of air. This study was undertaken to determine the utility of sampling used ventilation filters to assess the types and concentrations of virus aerosols present in buildings.

Methods

The HVAC filters from 2 large public buildings in Minneapolis and Seattle were sampled to determine the presence of human respiratory viruses and viruses with bioterrorism potential. Four air-handling units were selected from each building, and a total of 64 pre

SUBMITTER: Goyal SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7132662 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature