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Methods for air cleaning and protection of building occupants from airborne pathogens

Bolashikov, Z. D. and Melikov, A. K.
2009
Building and Environment, 44(7): 1378-1385
Pathogen; Generation; Survival; Airborne; Air cleaning; Air distribution


Bolashikov, Z. D. and Melikov, A. K., (2009), "Methods for air cleaning and protection of building occupants from airborne pathogens", Building and Environment, 44(7): 1378-1385.
Abstract:
This article aims to draw the attention of the scientific community towards the elevated risks of airborne transmission of diseases and the associated risks of epidemics or pandemics. The complexity of the problem and the need for multidisciplinary research is highlighted. The airborne route of transmission, i.e. the generation of pathogen laden droplets originating in the respiratory tract of an infected individual, the survivability of the pathogens, their dispersal indoors and their transfer to a healthy person are reviewed. The advantages and the drawbacks of air dilution, filtration, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), plasmacluster ions and other technologies for air disinfection and purification from pathogens are analyzed with respect to currently used air distribution principles. The importance of indoor air characteristics, such as temperature, relative humidity and velocity for the efficiency of each method is analyzed, taking into consideration the nature of the pathogens themselves. The applicability of the cleaning methods to the different types of total volume air distribution used at present indoors, i.e. mixing, displacement and underfloor ventilation, as well as advanced air distribution techniques (such as personalized ventilation) is discussed.

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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Bolashikov, Z. D.
     
Melikov, A. K.
  1. Accuracy Limitations for Low-Velocity Measurements and Draft Assessment in Room
  2. Air turbulence and sensation of draught
  3. Comparison of different methods for the determination of dynamic characteristics of low velocity thermal anemometers
  4. Requirements and guidelines for low velocity measurements
  5. Total uncertainty of low velocity thermal anemometers for measurement of indoor air movements  



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